The Peculiar History of Stillington

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A “Peculiar” Parish The History of Stillington Volume 1

By Grahame Richardson

Index of Chapters A “Peculiar” Parish. The History of Stillington- Volume 1

General History Pages 1-9 Crofts Page 10 for much greater detail see separate Book Laurence Sterne Page 13

Enclosure Act 1767 Page 14 for details as recorded by John Hall see separate Book The Turnpike Page 16 Highways Page 17 Nawton and Wombleton Page 19 Population Page 19 Poor Law Page 20 The Crofts cont’d and Stillington in the 1800’s Page 21 Stillington Parish Council Page 22 The National School Page 23

Church and Chapel Page 24 for detailed History- see separate Book Luce Balk Page 24 Village Pound & 1851 Map Pages 25 and 26 Wills and Charities Page 27 and 28 Boulder Page 29 Lake on Carr Page 30 St. John’s Well Page 30 Publicly Funded Housing Page 30 Boundary of Stillington With Easingwold Page 31 Cash Book of Richard Cholomley of Brandsby 1602-1623 Pages 32/33 Initials on Gable ends etc Pages 34/40 Mills Pages 41/48 Public Houses Pages 49/51 Doctors of Stillington Page 52 William Oddie Vicar of Stillington Page 53/54 The sad and curious case of Dr. Farbrace Sydney Gramshaw Pages 54/57 Noah Wynn Pages 58/60 Stillington Hall Pages 61/62 Catholic Orders in Stillington Page 63 Stillington Post Office and Shop Pages 64/68

Richard Cordukes Page 66 William Wright 1805-1868 Page 67 John Cooper 1839 Artilleryman Regt of Foot (Royal Anglican) Page 68/69 WW1 Casualties Page 70 WW2 Men who served Pages 70/76 Church Court Pages 78/80 including the case of Jane Harbottle Civil Court Pages 81/82 Vestry Page 83 Church Wardens 1753-73 Page 84 Overseers of the Highway 1753-73 Pages 85/86 Overseers of the Poor 1753-73 Pages 87/89 Constable Page 90 Civil Court list of Officials Pages 91/92 Publicly Funded Housing Page 95 Registering Title to “Village Land” Page 96 November 5th Page 96 Yearly Rents 1659 Pages 97/98 St. Nicholas Church, Plan BEFORE 1840 Page 99

Map of Stillington 1767 deposited by Parish Council with Borthwick Institute.

For details of the Award as recorded by John Hall 1751-1840 (his book loaned to me by Audrey and Bill Shepherd) See separate Book

For details of names given to Fields in the 1850’s -see my separate Book

For details of occupants of houses from circa 1767- see my separate Book. The “Peculiar” Parish of Stillington

Having always been interested in history, I began in 1992 to collate articles of interest on the village of Stillington. Now some 26 years later I have put most, but by no means all, into book form.

A number of people have in the past recorded matters relating to Stillington, the principal one being Geoffrey C. Cowling. He stated in his book, first published in 1968, called The History of Easingwold and the Forest of Galtres, that “this book has been developed from notes made over the past ten years”. His notes covered the area all around Easingwold, but the published book did not say a lot relating to Stillington which is understandable as it was mainly on matters relating to Easingwold. The notes were deposited at York Library and I was able to look at them on a number of occasions in the 1990’s. Since then I have been informed on many occasions that they are held in “deep storage probably in some salt mine in Cheshire” awaiting to be catalogued and despite my many requests I have been unable to obtain them. Fortunately I took some notes but the originals appear to have been mislaid.

Stillington Village History Group published an excellent book in 2000. Although it covered the period from Doomsday its main value, in my opinion, was for the period from 1900 as many of the contributors had personal knowledge of that period or had memories passed down to them from their parents. I have purposely avoided this period unless it has been on subjects particularly close to my heart, such as the history of the Croft family, or Religion in Stillington. In these instances I have been careful not to depend upon the book for my information.

Stillington and District Community Archives have an excellent web site which is being added to all the time. Again I have been careful to keep to my own research, although no doubt both they and I have researched the same public records.

Most of my research has been at the Borthwick Institute at York University, who have been particularly helpful also Northallerton County Records, East Riding Records at Beverley, Durham Records Office.

Particular thanks to Audrey and Bill Shepherd and members of their family, John Sparrow, John Manson, Margaret and Don Brown, Dave and Elizabeth Green, Dennis and Murial Law and many other local people.

As mentioned above this is only a selection of my notes. Some would be best left for the future!

Grahame Richardson March 2018

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

Wills of people from Wombleton and Nawton as well as Stillington were allowed to be proved at the Stillington church which was called a PECULIAR (able to prove its own wills). Hence the name of this book. These are held at the Borthwick (York University) for the period 1515-1843.

The early part of this “book” draws on records (in manuscript) called The History of Easingwold & the Forest of Galtres- By Geoffrey C. Cowling dec’d – York City Reference Library. (but the manuscript has been “put into deep storage and despite me requesting it for many years the library has been unable to recover it -8.3.2018. Fortunately I had been able to photo copy some of its pages)

The name of the village is of Anglican form and means “the farm (or settlement) of Styfel”. It is a spring line settlement with wells each spaced to serve two properties. In many of the old deeds to village houses a right of way is given to the rear of the property next door in order to draw water from the well.

Just after 627 it is said that Paulinus preached and Baptised in the area. There is an irregular circular field on the boundary of Stillington and Easingwold on which the golf course now stands adjacent to the field called Paulinus Carr. It is of an area of 11.655 Acres. It is well sited for the (supposed) Roman roads that run through Stillington to Easingwold and from York to Craike and cross near here.

In 1066 and 1086 the manor of Stillington was held by the Archbishop of York (1066 Ealdraed and 1086 Thomas). In 1086 he had at Stillington ten carucates of taxable land and a (water) mill valued at three shillings. There were six villeins, two ploughs and eight acres of meadow, with wood pasture, the village being a mile and a half long and half a mile broad. He also held 4 carcucates in Nawton and one carcucate in Wombleton, both of the parish of Kirkdale & half a carucate in Coulston, soke of Helmsley.

In the time of King Edward the Confessor (1004 - 1066) the manor was worth forty shillings, but in 1086 only 10s (In 1069 William the Conqueror had laid waste great swaithes of land North and East of York). In 1066 Nawton was held partly by Thorbrand. In 1086 his land was held by Berengar de Tosny. The remainder was held in 1066 by Ulf and by 1086 this was held by the Archbishop of York. Before 1258 a Prebend had been formed and endowed with the manor of Stillington, Nawton Wombleton, and part of Langtoft in the East Riding all these being considered part of the Liberty of St. Peter (of York). (York Minster Fasti Page 68). Thomas son of Paulinus. As a canon of York released to Riveaulx abbey his claims to the bounds of Welburn by his land of Nawton and Wombleton, which had been perambulated by Roger de Mowbray and his men, date assigned 1160-65 (E.Y.C., i, no.164; and cf.ix, no. 162) Thomas was witness to several charters at York to as late as 1194

Year 1227 Mag. Serio de Sonning as canon of York was the successful plaintiff for 6 acres of meadow in Wombleton as the right of his prebendary of Stillington, Michaelmass term 1225 (Cur, Reg. R., xii pp. 123, 191). He was still alive in 1227.

Year 1253 (Raines Collection, page 165) Thomas de London –He is the first mentioned Prebendary of Stillington in Torres MSS. During the vacancy of the See prior to the appointment of Walter Grey, see Drakes appx LXV1(NB A man of the same name was granted the preb, of Stillington by the Crown 28 March 1352 (C.P.R., 1350-1354 p.242; Fasti, iii, 213); and the entry for 1253 is a almost, if not quite, certainly a mistake for this.

Year 1258 (Page 69 York Fasti ) John del Langton. As canon of the Preb. of Stillington he was party to a final concord for a rent from a tenement in Langtoft 20 Oct 1258 (Yorks. Fines, 1246-72, p. 108). He was probably archdeacon of York in the period 1260-62

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

On 7th November, 1270, Ralph le Rapere of Styvelington was pardoned of the death of a man unknown, it having been found before the justices in Eyre that he had acted in self-defence.(4)

In 1274-75 according to Yorkshire Hundred and Quo Warranto Rolls, Page 68 “who have had approvers etc. (Article 26). They say that John de Oketon (the Sheriff) made one Thomas de Stivelington approver, (bailiff or steward) appeal many honest people from whom he extorted much money”.

In 1295 an extent (land valuation) was made of the prebendary at Stillington of Master Thomas de Corebridge. The Prebendary was rector of Stillington, (since 25th June 1280) with land, a manor house and 3 mills in Stillington, land and a manor house in Nawton, land in Wombleton, land in Langtoft and Coulton (Extents pp 28-30 also Fastii Ecclesiae Anglicanae 1066 – 1300 Volume V1 Diana Greenaway www.british-history.ac).

1272-1307 At the beginning of Edward 1’s reign (1272-1307) the prebendary as Lord of Stivelington held a meadow called “Pratum Paulini (“the Meadow of Paulinus”), which was a purpresture (encroachment) made in the Forest of Galtres in the time of King John and was worth two shillings a year. William Peitevin also held a new purpresture next to the Cross of Paulinus, worth four shillings a year. The meadow and cross of Paulinus were on the boundary of Easingwold and Stillington. Probably at the present Pouland Carr (5). The tradition that Paulinus, whose mission of 627 led to the conversion to Christianity of Edwin and the Kingdom of Deira, preached at or near this spot seems to be at any rate as old as the 12th century.

There was a Holy well at Stillington called St. John’s Well, now hidden in the wooden strip, just to the east of the road to York, close to the playing fields.

In Edward 1’s reign Bartholomew the Bailiff of Stivelington was accused of concealing the fact that Thomas Pulein had murdered William Piper by wrongfully charging others with it. The truth of the matter is not known.(6).

Thomas Pulein had thirty-five bondsmen tenants and fifty - one cottars. This did not in fact represent a total of eighty six tenants since at least four of the tenants seem to have held their dwellings as cottars and their lands as bondmen. There may well have been more who were in this position and in fact only three of the bondmen are named as holding messuages as such. The matter is not clear on the available evidence.

Notes on above:-. i) Gill op cit (ii) Burns Landed Gentry, 1952; Hartes New Army List 1855 Vol ii (3) Article in YAT Vol 1 p 107. (4) Cal. Pat. Rolls (1266-72) p.440 (5)Rotuli Hundreorum temp.Hen 111 & Edw 1, Vol,1812. Probably the present Pouland Carr (6) ibid

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

Bondmen of Stillington at this time were liable to make the customary payment of merchet on the marriage of their daughters and layerwychet, if a daughter bore a child out of wedlock. When a bondman died, his widow inherited his land. After the funeral and after the widow’s death, the son, daughter or next of kin of the deceased received the land at the Lord’s pleasure. (that is made a payment of an amount fixed by the lord on taking up the land). All the bondmen had to cart the tithes of their sheaves (of corn) to the lord’s grange, and were to reap for a day in autumn with one man and to cart timber for building.

Each of the cottars had to reap in Autumn for a day and “the three cottars who held the toft viz Walter Catte, John Peddar and Agnes Ton” were to ted the hay of Vlueswayt (“Ulf’s Clearing) and Paulineng (“the meadow of Paulinus”). The extent continues: “They are to take distraints at the reeve’s order or at that of the woodward. They are to rick the tithes of the vill, and have their food when tedding and reaping”. These last two sentences also seem to apply to the three cottars who had to ted the hay. Walter Catte, John Peddar and Agnes Ton or Tunne paid only sixpence each, whereas the other cottars paid rents from tenpence to four shillings, most in fact paying two shillings. It looks as if the three named occupied a toft jointly in addition to their dwellings and paid low rents because of their greater obligations. “Ted” means to turn over and spread the hay to expose it to the sun.

The rents of bondmen varied from three to twelve shillings. In addition to their separate rents the bondmen paid jointly for Paytfyn’s Close (evidently the new purpresture of William Peitevin next to the Cross of Paulinus) three and fourpence. Prior to this, that close was probably named Clausum Paytesyn. They also paid for land called “Riding” (“the clearing”) four shillings, for land called “ Drescenape” (Mowbray Farm) thirteen and fourpence and for land called “Pitflatte” fourteen shillings. Individual cottars paid rents for land in “Syk” (“syke”, ie. the ditch) and for a house on “Le Grene” (“the Green”).

In 1279 at least three tenants held land in Bernolfflat in the fields of Wombleton. (T.A.M. Bishop in The Economic History Review Vol.6, No1 (Oct 1935), pp13-29). The Stillington extent is of considerable interest in one way. Most records of this period give the impression that only about half the population had surnames, which did not become the rule until the latter part of the fourteenth century. At Stillington however, almost all the bondmen and cottars in 1295 had surnames, and the majority of these did not refer to their occupations, their birthplace or their fathers. The bondmen were Robert Pouer, Evota (Yvette) Pynwyn, Megge Paytefin (also apparently a cottar), Lece Titewyth, John Hogg, Thomas and Hugh Rand, John Walter, William Cook, Widow Capput, William Miller, Widow Lece, Robert Crobb, Robert Elys, Robert Baker (also a cottar), Thomas Reeve, Walter Clerk, Henry Elmit, Richard Mald, Emma Kysttil, Peter Smith, Widow Crayk, Dadyl, W. (probably Walter) Cobbler (who may also have been a cottar), Henry of Hoby (Huby), (also a cottar), Widow Ters, Reyson, Widow Fox, Adam Tunstan, Thomas Polyan (who looks like the man accused of murdering William Piper), Marioth Bluet, T. Sleth, Emma Sleth, Beatrix White, Wayen, Wymark, Elias son of Hugh and John son of Richard. The cottars were Peter Cobbler, John Bene, Annabel, Emma wife of Gelle, Agnes “de Cymiterio”, John Perot, Thomas Randolf, Robert Baker, Margaret Paytefyn, Walter, Catte, John Pedder, Walter Thatcher, Alice Spynk, William Wayiban, Thomas Rose, Idonea Burthayn, William Carter, Robert Yeye, Henry Brune, Adam Sleth, Robert of Esingwald (Easingwold), Agnes Peer, Olivia Flur, Agnes Nelle, Ranulf Carter, Richard Gyllemine, Thomas Crok, John Humpotte, William Miller, William Titewyth, Roger Haykelyn, Ydonea Pouer, Matthew Cowman, Matilda Wymark, Thomas Luval, Collan, Thomas Palefrid, (Palfrey), Robert Quenby (Whenby),Matilda Pulayn, William Pyrewyn, John le Belle, Henry Thomalin, Henry of Hoby, Dande Butcher, Thomas Leviot, Agnes Tunne, Walter Flure, Alice Godeale, Robert Loyen, Walter Crayk and William of Conigthorpe (Coneysthorpe). Most of the Bondmen held one or two bovate’s of land. Thomas Reeve and Robert Crobb had three and Dadyl had four. The normal rate of rent was three shillings a bovate but there were a few exceptions. Elias son of Hugh paid three and fourpence for his bovate, Henry Elmit three and eight pence and widow Crayk four shillings. The lord also received rent of three and tenpence from

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

“foreland”, small pieces of land in front of houses in the town street, or something of that kind, and the three and tenpence was perhaps a total amount. Adam Smith paid four shillings a year for the rent of an oven and twelve pence for a house on the Green.

Regarding the Priory of Keldholme - On 30th December 1299, the see being vacant, the Chapter of York addressed a letter to the prioress and convent on behalf of another nun, Cristiania de Styvelington, who instigante diabolo had apostatized, but having appeared before the chapter had manifested repentance, and desired to be allowed to return. The chapter directed that she was to be re- admitted, but was to undergo the salutary penance prescribed by the rules of the order. A History of Yorkshire page 167, Religious Houses

With the Augustinian Priories of Marton (men) and Moxby (Women) being in the adjacent parishes it is only natural that there be contact between the two. Unfortunately not all of it was as it should be. On a number of occasions sexual liaisons took place. In 1314, one of the Canons of Marton, an Alan de Shirbirn confessed to “incontinence” with a number of local women, including Maude Bunde of Stillington. At the same time, a Brother Stephen confessed to the vice of incontinence with Alice Hareworth of Marton and Agnes de Hoby. Brother Roger of Scamston also confessed to affairs with women at Brandsby, Farlington and Marton and a Beatrice Baa, widow of Robert le Bakester of Stillington. In 1322, the Scots sacked both Marton and Moxby and their villages and manors and estates were “devoured by fire.” In 1403 A Robert of Stillington was prior of Marton. The information for this paragraph was taken from an article written by Barry Fewster in 2009. Barry being the son of Maurice and Majorie Fewster who, in 2013, live in the Boot and Shoe on the Green

The Lay Subsidy Roll of 1301, as may be expected, names some of the same people. Robert Reeve, Robert Power, Thomas of Hoby, Thomas Rose and William Cook, were still there in 1301. The John Dadill of 1301 seems to be the Dadyl of 1295. William Miller of 1295 appears as William the Miller. in 1301. Reyson in 1295 is probably the William Reson named in 1301. Others in the 1301 Roll are Bartholomew, who sounds very like the bailiff who was supposed to have concealed the felony of Thomas Pulein; John Biyehall; John the Clerk; John son of Richard; Thomas Bloom; Thomas Rose; Robert son of Walter; Richard son of Matilda; John Bluett; William son of Walter; Oliva (Olive); and John next the Church. The Lay Subsidy Roll contains relatively fewer surnames than the prebendal extent. Perhaps the true explanation of the apparent “precocity” of the extent in the matter of surnames is that the clerk concerned was less conservative than the general run of clerks, who somehow felt that only baptismal names had official standing.(1).

The earliest known vicar of Stillington is Peter de Topcliffe instituted in 1329. (Walter Clerk named in the extent of 1295 and John the Clerk in the Lay Subsidy Roll of 1301 were probably parish clerks.) Peter de Topcliffe was succeeded by John Safts in at a date unknown and in 1341 Safts was followed by John Wallworth. The next vacancy occurred in 1349 and Wallworth may thus have been the victim of the Black Death. At all events Wallworth was then succeeded by Robert de Wetwang who held the living for twenty years.

In 1330 The parsons and vicars of The Forest of Galtres had presented a petition before the king and his council in his late parliament at Northampton, complaining that the forest officials were demanding payments from them although their lands were church property only. John of Godley, prebendary of Stillington in St. Peter’s York, who held lands within the Forest, had obtained writs from the King to forbid these exactions but no heed was paid to them. The action by John Godley against John de Crumwell, the Keeper of the Forest beyond the river Trent and others, was heard in the King’s Bench in the Hilary term of 1330. In his defence John de Cromwell says that he believes that only the parson’s and vicars have these rights and that they had not been granted to the prebendary. The King’s Chancellor was instructed to certify what had been granted and to report back at three weeks after Easter. I have not seen what was the result of this enquiry was. King’s Bench Roll, no.282 (Michaelmas 1330),m.141 Yorkshire. There was yet another petition from these petitioners in 1334, see Ret., Parl.,ii.75. So presumably the first petition did not resolve the matter.

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

In 1338 Alice, daughter of Robert Bertram of Stillington was killed by being crushed by a “heap of straw”. The straw was sold by King Edward’s Almoner for 6d, which was used for charitable purposes.

In 1362 William Milner of “Stelington” was one of the jurors of “Bulmerschire” named in the Sessions of the Peace Rolls. In the same year Robert of the Wood, forester, of Crayke was charged with wounding Hugh son of Henry Gardener at Stillington. For this and other offences Robert was outlawed. Assize Roll 1135 Page 83 11 (E4). In 35th year of Edward 111 ie 14th March1362.

In 1376 (May 23rd) a pardon was granted to Richard Spynk of Stylyngton of the king’s suit for the death of John Colyer of Stylyngton, lately killed at Stylyngton ; as the king has learned by the record of Thomas de Ingleby and his fellows, justices appointed to deliver the king’s gaol on the soil of St. Peter’s York, that he killed him in self-defence. (Calendar of Patent Rolls Edward 111)

John Gode of Stylington worked as a weaver during the period 1381 - 99 weaving six blue or “plunket” cloths each winter and spring during the months of December to June.

Brother Robert of Stillington, a canon of Marton Priory, was vicar of Sutton Forest from 1368 to 1401. (3). YAS Rec s Vol xxi (2) YAS Rec Ser Vol C (3) Torre MSS (2a)Cal ing Misc loc vi (1392-9) p246 (2)

William de Canton (Carleton?) became vicar of Stillington in 1369, followed at some date unknown by Thomas de Huggate, in 1403 by Thomas Woodhouse, in 1424 by John Ingleby, in 1436 by John Leeming (buried in the churchyard on the West side against the Cross) and in 1468 by John Bedford or Bedforth. He is the first vicar of Stillington who takes any sorry shape as a person. On 7th February, 1471 he was reported to be keeping in his vicarage a common tavern and selling beer in his vicarage, as if he were a layman, to the peril of his soul, the expense of his church and the great scandal of the jurisdiction of the Church.. (1) Bedford’s will was proved in the Court of the Dean and Chapter on 29th August 1497 in the name of “John Bedford vicar of Styllington”, so he evidently survived any little unpleasantness in 1471. (2). In this will he directed that his body be buried before the Cross in the church at Stillington.

In 1408 on 19th Oct Thomas Thurkilby surrendered (sold) to Richard Bouver(e) and Alice his wife 1 messuage (house) and 2 bovates of land. (Court Rolls 10 th year of Henry 1V).

In May 1424 Sir Thomas Towton was described as "Lord of Stillington" in a Feoffment of property in Ousegate York. (Surtees Society)

In 1467-8 Robert Clay of Stillington and Marjorie his wife were admitted members of the fashionable religious guild of Corpus Christi at York.(3).

Bedford seems to have had a chaplain for at any rate some part of his time. William Stillington, gentleman, by his will of 22nd August, 1485, left to Alexander del Seller of Stillington, Chaplin, 7 marks a year for five years for masses for himself and his wife Katherine in Stillington Church and a missal for the church.(4)

After Bedford there was a succession of vicars who held the living mainly for short periods and about whom nothing is known. They were Roger Bold (instituted in about 1497), Richard Symmes (instituted in 1504 and died in 1505), John Barker (died in 1515), Gawen Edmondson (1515 and resigned in 1518), Nicholas Nosterfield (instituted in 1518) and Thomas Burton (instituted in 1520). In February 1527, the last named was recorded as having an annual stipend of £6. Two vicars were instituted in 1531, William Brymley, who apparently died shortly afterwards, and John Burton who died in 1535. The next vicar Robert Howston or Owstayne lasted some fifty years, his will being proved on 11th November, 1585 (5). In his will he “desired to be buried at Stillington)

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

In 1525 Henry Fitzroy the Duke of Richmond, bastard son of Henry V111 by Elizabeth Blount, was 6 years of age when he was sent to Sheriff Hutton Castle. He was to be the figurehead for the Northern Court. He arrived at Marton Priory near Stillington en route to Sheriff Hutton. On August 17th, he made a formal entry into York. (Early Tudor Yorkshire by John Rushton).

In 1526 when Thomas Dalby, Archdeacon of Richmond and Prebendary of Stillington died, at Stillington Prebendal Hall it consisted of a parlour, a little parlour, 4 chambers, a closet, chapel and kitchen stable. (Early Tudor Yorkshire by John Rushton). Also see Extract below from British History- Property of Thomas Dalby Prebend of Stillington at his death in 1526. Also see page 12. e. “At Styllington:-In the Hall: green say hangings. In the great parlor: hangings of divers colors, a table, a carpet, trestles, and joined forms. In the great chamber: hangings, a long table. Carpets, joined forms, chairs: a cloak worth 4 marks; two chambers hanged with green say. The bed chambers hanged. In the chapel: vestments, chalice, silver cruets, &c. A great barn, with grain, from the prebend at Styllington and other tithes. 30 loads of hay and much wood. 16 or more saddle horses, of which he thinks only a few came to my Lord’s grace; some 5l or 6 l apiece are not in the inventory. Great store of beeves and muttons. A kitchen furnished with vessels &c. Ponds full of great pike, tench and other fish. 20 marks would not store them as they were. 2 short scarlet gowns, and one or two of fine black cloth. 2 tippets of velvet and two of sarsnet, with other rainment, as divers frocks of scarlet sarsnet and fine starnell. Sillytories of various sorts.

17.Feb 1534, Henry Wilkinson a bruer of London "Bequethed unto Styllington, where my father and mother lieth buryed, xx s., to pray for the soules of them and of my bretheren Brother Robert Wilkinson. The residue to my wife Julyan", executrice. Pr.17 Apr., 1535 (Hogen 23)

In 1535 at the Dissolution of Yorkshire Monasteries and Nunneries, Marton (Augustin) had 16 inmates, was worth £151 and was granted to the Archbishop of York and Molesby (Moxby) had 8 inmates and was worth £26 (John Rushton).

In 1537, King Henry V111 sent the Duke of Norfolk to Sheriff Hutton Castle as Lieutenant of the County. From January to July of that year work was done to the castle to make it fit for his occupation. Sand clay and timber was supplied from the local area including Marton and Stillington. (Early Tudor Yorkshire by John Rushton) Sixteenth century residents of Stillington included the following persons whose wills were proved, or for whose estates letters of administration were granted, in the York Registry:- Thomas Barker (1552); William Mosyte (1553); John Gascoigne (1587), perhaps a relative of the William Gascoigne of Huby who had a patent in 1608 of the office of bailiff of the Forest of Galtres and probably also of the Sir William Gascoigne who was joint patentee of the offices of Steward and Master of the Game in the Forest from 1611 to 1616; Allison Hodgson (1587), George Foster (1589), Richard Jackson (1589), George Barker (1593), George Ebden (1594), Jenet and John Stackhouse (1594), Anthony Bland (1598) and Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Goodfellow (1599).Wills were also proved for persons who had died, living in Wombleton and Nawton viz: Anthony Simpson of Nawton – Inventory 8 July 1667, Bond 8 October 1668.

On 1st October, 1547, Thomas Woodmance of Stillington, yeoman was one of several persons named in a petition to the Star Chamber as guilty of riot, assault, battery, close breaking and unlawful depasturing at Saxton near Tadcaster. (6)

1548 A list of money held, or supposed to be held, in the North Riding for chantries and similar purposes refer to the “stoke” theyre (i.e. at Stillington) geven for the fynding of a light being in the andes of the churchwardens, xls. The parties deny that they have any such stoke and that they be but poore men”. (7)

1569 The churchwardens were amongst those ordered to replace service books taken, destroyed or defaced by the rebels in the Earl’s Rebellion of that year (8).

1578 On the last day of September Richard Lingham surrendered (sold) to John Wardell a Messuage Garden and 4 Crofts. Recorded in the Copy of Court Roll recorded by George Rowe Clerk and Prebend of the Prebendary of Stillington

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

1608 Quarter Session records give some details of Jacobean Stillington. At the Epiphany Sessions at Malton on 12th January, Henry Burnett of Stillington, yeoman was impanelled as a juror. (1)

In 1609 Thomas Croft of Stillington, gentleman, a free citizen dispersed from being Sheriff – to pay £80 (York City Housebooks- 172v-173, 21st Sept, City Archives).

In 1610 (30.08.1617) The Duchy of Lancaster made a Survey of the Manor of Easingwolde in which was defined the boundary with Stillington. (See end of this Book)

In 1611 the constable Edward Read, and the churchwardens were presented for failing to pay the lame soldiers, money due from the township for relief of lame soldiers (2). In the same year John and Robert Calvert of Stillington were presented for trading as butchers without having served seven years apprenticeship, and Anthony Casse and Richard Peckett for trading as Bakers in the same way (3).

In 1625 William Facebie,constable of Stillington was presented for not paying the lame soldiers money (4).

Stillington was until 1630 a township within the Forest of Galtres in which its inhabitants had rights of Common and other benefits.

Note on above:- NRQSR Vol1 p.100 (2) ibid p.207 (3) ibid p.235 (4) NRQSR Vol 111 p.241 (1) Purvis: A Mediaeval Act Book (2) YAS Rec Ser Vol xxxviii. (3) Surtees Soc Vol Lvii p67 (4) Surtees Soc Terr. Ebor Vol 111 (5) YAS Rec Vol xxxv111 (6) Surtees Soc Vol xi p136 (7) Surtees Soc Vol xcvii p118. (8) Purvis: Tudor Parish Documents, p.143

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

1620 A note made of a Drift (round up) of swine agisted in the forest about 1620 notes the following owners from Stillington: John Dygnton (six swine), Newpayle wife (four), George Weorley (three) and, Edward Read, William Humble and Humble wife (two each). This is not a large number compared with the two hundred and fifty swine from Easingwold and ninety - two from Huby, driven at the same time, but there is no doubt that Stillington Forest rights were reasonably substantial. On the disafforestation and enclosure of Galtres in 1630 the township was allotted 694 acres in the forest at a rent of six and eightpence a year. This was not one of the largest allotments - Easingwold for example received 1,776 acres, Sutton - on - Forest 1,500 and four others amounts over a thousand acres. While Huby received 888, but it was certainly not negligible.

There are records of several presentments of Stillington men to the Swainimote Court in Jacobean times - on 8th April, 1620 George Humble, was charged with a game offence; on 9th April, 1620 a Stillington man going through the forest hunted a doe with a greyhound bitch in Linthwaite Carr; On 8th September, 1620. George Bland the pinder of Stillington, and William Hynson servant to Mr. Wilford, shot a Deer in the Diana Field (this is between Stillington and Sutton on Forest) at Huby; and on 21st October , 1621 Lawrence North of Stillington, also a servant of Mr. Wilford, killed a doe and carried it away in a sack. Presumably this Wilford was John Wilford, son of James, the Prebendary of Stillington.

The Blands seem to have been well represented at Stillington at this time. They included Jenet (administration 1605), Thomas (probate, 1625), William (probate, 1628), Thomas, son of William, (probate 1633), and William described as clerk (probate 4/8/1662). Other families were those of Barker (John-probate 1604) and John, (administration, 1633), Nightingale (James - administration, 1625) and Thomas (probate, 1661), Jackson (Thomas-probate, 1614), George (administration, 1636) and John (administration, 1664), and Gascoigne (Leonard, probate, 1616) and Elizabeth, Administration, 1635). The Edward Reed who had two swine in the forest about 1620 seems to have died about 1623. Two John Stevensons had wills proved, in 1630 and 1634 respectively. The Sherwins (John, administration, 1635), Mary, (probate, 1635), and Robert, (probate, 1639) and the Youngs- George, (probate, 1660) and Thomas, probate, 1661) and Isabel (probate, 1673) were other Stillington families.

On 1st April, 1651, Thomas Coley of Stillington, gentleman, made his will directing his burial in the parish church and leaving bequests to his wife Anne, to his daughter Elizabeth the wife of Thomas Wayte of Stillington, and to his grandchildren Anne Wayte and Anne and William Roecliffe. The will was proved on 2nd June, 1655. (2).

There seems to have been a glazier at Stillington in 1649, since it is recorded that on 9th January 1649, a Stillington man complained to Quarter Sessions at Helmsley that he had mended the glass windows in Stonegrave Church, but that the parishioners still owed him for the glass and part of his wages. The judges ordered that two Scackleton men should view the work and assess a fair price.(3)

The manorial Court of Stillington was a court leet and as such, appointed a constable for the township. Not all those chosen were willing to serve and in such cases Quarter Sessions had to use compulsion. Thus at Thirsk in April 1649, the justices had before them the case of William Williamson of Stillington, who had been chosen as constable by the jury at the last court leet there, but had not yet been sworn in. They ordered that he should be sworn within ten days on pain of forfeit of £10.(4). At Thirsk on 27th April, 1652, the township was presented for non-repair of the highway from Crayke - yate to Huby fields.(5).

In January, 1656 the justices ordered the parish officers of Stillington to pay twelve pence weekly to a poor man and on 6th October, 1657, they had before them a Stillington gentleman for erecting a cottage contrary to law and a Stillington labourer charged with stealing a black cow valued at £3. The latter was found not guilty. (6)

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

On 4th October, 1670, Quarter Sessions ordered £5 to be given to Richard Weetman of Stillington and his son Thomas, whose household goods and clothing had been destroyed in a fire in their houses.(7)

Liability for rating must have been one of the major concerns of Stillington in the 1670’s and 1680’s. On 12th January, 1675, the rates of the constabulary of Stillington were reassessed from £50 to £35. This did not prevent a dispute between Stillington and Easingwold from 1679 to 1683 regarding their respective liabilities. Stillington claimed that it was rated too high in comparison with Easingwold.(8)

Notes on above:- (1) YAS Rec Sec Vol xxxviii; (1) YAS Rec Sec Vol xxxviii; YAS Rec Ser Vol xciii (2) YAS Rec Vol ix p.78 (3) NRQS Volv p.21 (4) ibid p.29 (5) ibid p.104. (5) ibid p.206.ibid p.252 (7) NRQSR Volvi p.149 (8) NRQSR

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

The Crofts Christopher Croft,(circa 1543 to -well after 1628) of Cottescue Park Co. York and Elizabeth daughter of Thomas Barton of Whenby and Skewsby were the parents of (Sir) Christopher Croft (1583- 5t July 1649). Christopher, the son, (1583-1649) was apprenticed to Edward Croft (his uncle), a silk weaver merchant, in about 1597 and then to Robert Myers, who was then an Alderman of York. Christopher was admitted a Freeman of York in 1604/5 and into the Merchants Company that same year. He first married Cecelia, daughter of Sir James Welford (Willford) (Prebendary of Stillington to 1605) and Vicar of Sutton on Forest 1585-1605 James being buried under a blue stone in the central aisle of Stillington church). Christopher and Cecilia were married at St. Dennis, Walmgate, York, on 3rd June (or February) 1610. The church register is difficult to read. Christopher and Cecelia had three children, Anne, Elizabeth and Sicily. Cecilia died in 1612. Following Cecilia's death (Sir) Christopher remarried Elizabeth Harrison at St. Martin's Micklegate, on 21st November 1613. she was buried 23rd September 1643, St. Michael's, Ousebridge"). Elizabeth bore him a son Thomas. On Christopher’s death Thomas Croft was granted Administration of his father’s estate (1st June 1653). In fact Thomas failed to act as he died soon afterwards in 1654 and it was left to Christopher’s wife Elizabeth to wind up the estate). This second Christopher was given his knighthood by King Charles 1st in 1641. He had been Chamberlain 1616, Sheriff 1618-9. Elected alderman 31st October, 1625. Vice (in place of) Robert Myers dec'd, (Myers died 22 Sept 1625) and Lord Mayor in 1629 and again in 1641. Knighted at York, by King Charles 1st, Sunday 21st November, 1641. “On which day he entertained his majesty at th th dinner. Died 5 July, 1649, buried at St. Michael's, Spurriergate, July 6 ”. (According to Robert H. Scaife's book, Catalogue of Mayors and Sheriffs etc of the City of York, held at York City Archives).

The first Christopher (circa 1543-about 1649)+ was according to Torr buried under the blue stone in the Chancel aisle of Stillington Church. However this is incorrect as I (Grahame Richardson) have seen the following note in the Stillington church register: (one or two words of which cannot now be read)

STILLINGTON CHURCH OF ST. NICHOLAS DEANRY OF BULMER TESTAMENTARY BURIALS AT WIGHTON OR WEETON NEAR BEVERLEY (now known as Rowley Church where Robert Nicholas Croft was minister in 1787-1831 and was Prebendary of Stillington 1801-1831 It may well be he who was instrumental in having the following written in the church register) On the Inscription Plate on the large Grey Marble in the Chancel. John*/James Willford Pre: of Stillington Vicar of this Worshipful Place applied himself with like zeal to the (Spirit and) Profession of Divine Wisdom, in which being enriched with great Maturity of Knowledge he imparted the same to the People by such Assiduities in preaching, and exemplified in himself in the Holiness of it, that he merited in the Highest World the Promised Reward and Glory. Here rests his Body, his Soul was translated hence 26th March, 1605 in the 52nd year of his Age, leaving behind him his sorrowful Wife Elizabeth, Daughter of Richard Ashenden Esq, and five children by her, John & James and Jane & Cicely** & Catharine. *The entry in the Register says John but the York Minster list of Prebendaries of Stillington gives the name James and the same date of death. ** Sir Christopher Croft (1583-1649) married Cicely Willforde on 3rd June 1610 at St. Dennis, Walmgate, York. The above entry in the Register was probably written by Robert Nicholas Croft vicar of Stillington and Weeton (born 1754-died 1831).

I now believe that Christopher Croft (circa 1543-after 1649) to be buried at Coverdale Church, a few hundred yards from his home at Cottescue Park, but have no means of proving it. Confusing as both father and son appear to have died in 1649.

In the Register of the Freemen of York (York City Archives) there is mention in 1627/1644/1665 of Crofts of East Witton being made Freemen as a result of them completing their apprenticeships as Silkweavers (see below). I assume that some of these are a cadet (junior branch) member of the Croft Family.

The Crofts were Lords of the Manor for nearly 300 years. The last one in direct line selling the title in l894. The history of this family is most interesting and I have written separately on this.

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

More on Stillington and the Crofts Before 1258 a prebend had been formed (by the Liberty of St. Peter) and endowed with the manor. In 1605 James (or John) Willford was Prebendary of Stillington. He died in that year, having married Elizabeth Asshenden, they had 5 children John, James, Jane and Cicely and Catharine. In 1610 Cicely Willford (1587-1612) married Christopher Croft (1583-1649) at St. Denis in Walmgate, York. In 1615:- John Wilford sold the lease to William Ramsden ( See Yorkshire Stuart Fines 11 1615-16 Hilary Term 13 James 1 Yorkshire Archeological Society Record Series Vol 58.Page 50 Yorkshire Fines 1614-25. This document states-John Wilford gent. Quer: (the Vendor) “to” William Ramsden Esq and Mary his wife, defendants (the Purchasers) . Manor of Stillington and messuage and lands in Stillington, Navilton, alis Nawlton, Wymbleton and Langtofte and tithes in Stillington (Note despite its unusual wording this records the sale of the lease of the Manor of Stillington by John Wilford, son of Sir James Wilford (Prebendary of Stillington 1578-1605) to Wm. Ramsden . William Ramsden became Sheriff of York in 1637 . On 27th April 1625 Christopher Croft obtained a lease of the Manor –(but not the Rectory nor the power to appoint an incumbent)for three lives*, from Philip Ford, the then Prebendary of Stillington so he must have bought it from Ramsden or the lease had gone back to the Church * The longer liver of Thomas Croft and Christopher Croft son of Raiph Croft of Leeds and James Loftus son of James Loftus of East Witton (near Middleham) for a yearly rent of £52

In 1649 at the end of the Civil War all properties belonging to the Deaneries and Prebends of York were seized by Parliament. But then:- In 1649 the Parliamentary Trustees for the sale of lands belonging to the Dean and Chapter of York surveyed the manor (Lambeth Palace Library Vol 17 COMM/12A/17 1647-52 No 210) and then sold it to Colonel George Gill of Leeds. He in the same year sold it to Christopher Croft. Having purchased the rent and reversion of the Manor of Stillington in 1649 from the Trustees for the sale of Deanes and Chapters Lands, Major George Gill had on 3rd May (1650?) to pursue Thomas Croft (son of Sir Christopher) through Parliament for payment of one half years rent of £20.16.3d, due 2nd February 1649 for that Manor. Parliament confirmed this on 26th November (1650?). In the event Thomas Croft did pay two Rents to Court/Parliament for the credit of Gill. Sir W. Allonson (owner of Craike and an Alderman of York and enemy of Gill) somehow detained payment to George Gill. These rents must have been for the period that Gill owned the Manor and before he sold it onto Thos Croft. Sometime after the Restoration of the Monarchy (1660) many church properties were returned to it* and Thomas Croft’s widow Olive appears to have obtained a grant of a lease of it from the Dean and Chapter of York. The Croft family had lived at Stillington throughout this period. *I have seen a schedule of some property around this date that they took and whilst the next parish, Marton, suffered this, Stillington was not on that list. After the Restoration the Commonwealth decisions had to be confirmed or corrected.

Eventually in 1753 the Crofts obtained the Freehold of The Manor. A Bill was presented for Parliamentary approval - Dated 9th April 1740 between the Rev. Richard Levett, (Vicar of Stillington) Sir Edmund Anderson of Kilnwick in the County of York, Baronet. Henry Thompson of Kirby Hall and William Stainforth , City of York and Rev Musgrave of Stillington and William Knowlson of Stillington. In consideration of a former Lease mentioned therein between Richard Levett, Sir Ed. Anderson, Henry Thompson for 3 lives and a sum of money. That the said Manor and Prebend of Stillington.....the Manor House and any properties within Stillington belonging to the Prebend including properties in Havelton, otherwise Hawton, Wombleton and Langton (except the vicarage of Stillington and the Prebend House) in York be settled on Stephen Croft, Christopher Croft and John Croft, sons of Stephen Croft late of Stillington deceased and the life of the survivor for a rent of £52 per annum, paid half-yearly. The above was exchanged for the Manor of DUGGLEBY that Stephen Croft was seised in Fee. (Duggleby is on the B1252 Malton to Driffield road). This Bill was enacted in 1753 and then the Crofts became owners of the freehold of Stillington. In the same Act the then Prebend of Stillington, James Worsley had to agree to “demise grant and to farm let” the manor of Duggleby to Stephen Croft and his heirs for the rent of £52 per annum. The Crofts however at a later date re- acquired the properties of Nawton, Wombleton and Langtoft.

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

On Sir Christopher’s death in on 5th July 1649 (he is buried at St. Michaels, Spurriergate,York) the manor passed to Thomas, his son by his second wife. Thomas died in 1654 and was succeeded by his son Thomas. When Thomas 11 died he was succeeded by a son, Stephen born in 1683. Stephen 1 was succeeded by his son Stephen 11 (8/12/1712 - 12/9/1798). who was a friend of Lawrence Sterne, He was succeeded by his son Stephen 111 in 1798, who had been living at Stillington for some time before this, presumably managing the estate for his father. Stephen 11 lived at No 45 Bootham York from 1752 to his death.(3). In 1780 we find that it is Stephen Croft junior, who is listed as liable to pay the tax on manservants. He paid on seven. Stephen 111 married in 1764 Frances Clarke of Askham Bryan and their son Harry (2/5/1775 - 1853) Colonel D.L. and J.P. succeeded his father on the latter’s death in August 1813.

Colonel Harry Croft married Elizabeth, second daughter of William Charlton of Apsley Castle, Salop, on 29th July 1822. they had two sons, Harry and Stephen 1V, both of whom served in the Crimean War. Harry was drowned at Balaclava in the disastrous storm of 14th November,1854 when four steam and ten transports and four freighters were sunk.

Stephen 1V was a captain in the 68th Foot (later the 1st Battalion Durham Light Infantry). Ensign on 28th August, 1846, Lieutenant on 14th April, 1848, and Captain on 25th August, 1854, in each case by purchase, he served at Inkerman and in the trenches before Sebastopol. On his return from the Crimea as heir to the Estate, he married in 2nd March 1859 at St. Pancras in London, Fanny Prior and their eldest son Harry (16/7/1857 - 13/4/1926) lived at Stillington Hall until 1894, when he sold the Estate. Upon the death of her husband Stephen in 1871 Fanny swore on a Succession Duty Deed, that Harry was stranger in blood to that of his supposed father Stephen. (for greater detail and a copy of the Deed-see my History of the Croft Family).

A younger brother of Stephen Croft 11, Thomas, born in 1717 was the grandfather of Sir John Croft, Bart. of Cowling Hall. Another brother of Stephen 11, John (28/2/1732 - 18/11/1820), F.S.A. was in the wine trade at Oporto and later at York. (2).

The purchaser of the Stillington Hall Estate in 1894 was Rawdon Thornton J.P. who in turn sold in 1903 to Matthew Liddell, (owner of coal mines in Newcastle) who was in residence in 1923. Matthew died at Stillington Hall on 18 January, 1934 and there is a wall tablet to him in Easingwold Catholic Church. His wife was called Rose. She died after him. Also a silver alter cross in Stillington Church with both their names thereon. In 1934 the Roman Catholic Church at Easingwold was reseated by means of a bequest from this gentleman, and the Hall was for some years used by the Roman Catholic authorities for educational and other purposes. First by the Alexian Brothers and then by the Verona Fathers. One of these Orders had buried one or more of their brethren in the garden and these had to be removed when they left in 1947.

The brick building of about 1735, it was demolished in 1966 with a view to the redevelopment of the land for private housing. Its appearance must have been considerably altered in 1857, when it was cemented to imitate stonework and a portico and conservatory were added.

The Lordship of the Manor, however was held in October 1894 by John Tatham Esq of North Hill, Highgate, London. In 1900 the Lord was Leonard Tatham. By 1935, the Lord of the Manor was William Ware. The last recorded Meeting being 30th December 1935. In April 2012 the Lord of the Manor was Jeremy J. Ware, Lister Place, Brant Broughton, Lincoln LN5 0SN.

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

Vicars continued from page 5 The succession of vicars has been given above down to 1585. In that year William Magson M.A. was inducted.(buried in the Chancel). On his death in 1607, came George Houseman, followed in 1626 by Stephen Berrier M.A.: in 1635 by Robert Hodson or Hodgeson; and on Hodgeson’s death in 1639 by Francis Beaumont M.A. He gave up the post by “voluntary Cession”. The Commonwealth minister seems to have been George Leake appointed by the House of Lords on 12th September 1646, who is said to have died. He was replaced in 1662 by Thomas Marsden, who was ejected in the same year as a non - conformist. Possibly more than one minister was ejected at this period since Samuel Palmer’s “Nonconformists Memorial”, Vol 11, 1775, names Alexander Medcalf as an ejected minister at Stillington. John Lamb seems to have succeeded Mr. Marsden and held the living for thirty some thirty years till his death in 1692. The new vicar John Dade M.A. took the oaths to William and Mary at Thirsk on 4th October, 1692. The next vicar Richard Musgrave M.A. was instituted on 11th July, 1718. He took his bachelor’s degree at St. John’s College Cambridge, in 1699 and his M.A. at St. Catherine’s in 1705. He was ordained deacon at Lincoln on 20th September, 1709, and priest at Winchester on 30th September, 1711. He seems to have been vicar of Easingwold from 1712 to 1718. In 1743 he returned to Archbishop Herring that there were eighty - three families in the parish. Ursula, wife of Matthew Linton, and Marmaduke Clemenge were Roman Catholics, though Clemenge’s wife and children were protestants. Mr. Musgrave was permanently resident in the vicarage house and held services on Wednesdays and Fridays when there was a congregation. The Sunday morning service was at Stillington, the afternoon one at Farlington or Marton. The sacrament was celebrated four times a year. Sixty to seventy person’s received it at Easter but at other times not so many. In 1743 there were apparently no Quakers, though there had been a Quaker meeting house at Stillington in 1689. (1) Musgrave employed the old penalty of excommunication against a woman who had born a bastard child , denouncing her on 24th June, 1744. There were no papists at Stillington in 1764 but in 1780, after the passing of the Catholic Relief Acts of 1778 and 1779, there were no less than eleven. (2) The Matthew Liddle whose wife was a Roman Catholic in 1743, voted for the Tory Candidate in the County by - elections in January, 1742, in respect of a freehold in Farlington. Francis Rutlass and John Sherwin of Stillington also voted Tory, the latter in respect of a freehold at Easingwold., while the vicar and Christopher Young voted Whig. The latter in respect of land at Wiggington. At York Castle 0n 10th October, 1748, the justices ordered the release pursuant to the Act 21 Geo 11 of John Martin of Stillington, tailor, imprisoned in York Castle for debt. (3)

Laurence Sterne In 1745 Mr. Musgrave died and was succeeded as vicar by Lawrence Sterne, M.A. of Christ’s College, Cambridge and the author of “ Tristram Shandy.” His institution to Stillington was in fulfilment of a promise given to his wife by Lord Fairfax. Sterne also held the benefice of Sutton - on - Forest, where he lived. He held the Sunday morning service at Sutton and walked across the fields to Stillington for the afternoon service. It is said that one afternoon he failed to arrive, his pointer having discovered a covey of partridges on the way. Sterne does not appear to have been popular in the parish, no doubt due to his temperament, though the fact that he was instrumental in obtaining the Stillington Inclosure Act of 1766 may have contributed. At all events tradition relates that he was nearly drowned when the ice broke under him as he was skating on a pond at Stillington and his parishioners would not come to his help. He was friendly with Stephen Croft 11, who however suffered on at least one occasion from Sterne’s hasty temper. Mr.Croft had invited Sterne to read the manuscript of “Tristram Shandy” to his friends after dinner. This was not a success since Sterne feeling that he was not getting the attention he deserved, flung the manuscript on the fire. Mr. Croft himself rescued it. Sterne died (in London) in 1768. He had also become curate of Coxwold on 29th March, 1760. Sterne’s two daughters, both called Lydia, were baptised at Stillington. On 1st Oct st 1745 and 1 Dec 1747, the first daughter dying the day after birth. (1) NRQSR Vol vii p102 (2) Aveling op cit p414. (3) NRQSR Vol viii ps 274/5

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

Enclosure Act 1766/67 The Act of 1766 with which Laurence Sterne had been concerned, provided for the enclosure of the four open arable fields of Stillington and the common wastes, meadows and pastures of the township. The names of the four fields appear to have been, the North Skew (Skeugh or Skewf) Field, immediately to the north - west of the village, the Crayke Park Field, on either side of Crayke Lane; the Car Field immediately south - west of the village; and the Ing field, west of the Car Field on the South side of the Easingwold road. The boundaries of the Ing field are defined by the present Green Lane, Moor Lane, Wandell Balk and the Easingwold road. Wandell Balk forms the western boundary of the Car Field which lies between the Easingwold road on the north and a beck from the Moor Lane to the York road on the south. In addition to the four fields there may have been two small open arable fields, the Hurns field, in the North - west corner of the township and the Little Field, on the east side of the York road, in the present park of Stillington Hall. North and South of the houses in the village are garths and behind these crofts. In 1766 there was no Fox Inn and the present road to Huby across the former Ing field did not exist. South and West of Ing Field were commons - West Moor, Gray Carr, Penny Flatt, Roseberry Hill and land south of the Hall Estate. Finally coming round to the Common the Skeugh, lying between the Mill Bridge and Moxby Hall. South of Carr Field, on a piece of common north of Rosebury Hill was a lake, the enclosure plan of 1767 shows this with a small building on an island in the middle, perhaps a fishing house or summer house. This lake which was several acres in extent is not shown on Greenwood’s map of Yorkshire 1817/18 and had probably been drained by then. The island is still visible as a mound in the centre of the field and also an embankment on the north side of the field which must mark the northern boundary of the lake.

North of the North Skew between Crayke Lane and Jack Lane the same plan shows closes which probably represent the old pastures and meadows. The Gunfit Croft runs from east of Crayke Lane to North Skew Hill. The farmhouse called New Grange is marked, but not named. East of it the plan shows the New Laid Closes, fields called Long Hills, the Outfit Close at the corner of Jack Lane, the North Skew Closes, the Slack Style Close, Gaticar Hill and the Angrams Closes. Curiously enough this award map stretches at three points into Crayke township, including the Charles Closes on the west side of Crayke Lane, a strip of land north of the Gunfit Croft up to Mosswood Lane. NB. the Inclosure map, shows an island on the lake, on the Rosebury lane, with a summer house on it. The lake has since been drained. There is still a mill on the River Foss on the road out of Stillington to Farlington, although it is now a residence only. There are also the ruins of a mill, some 150 yards on the Brandsby side of the bridge over the stream on the Stillington/Brandsby road). I have a copy of that map obtained from the Borthwick (see separate article on Mills).

The present system of Stillington, apart from the road from the Fox Inn. to Huby, seems to be much the same as on the 1767 plan and probably dates back to the open field days. Green Lane, Moor Lane and Wandell Balk look very much like balks in the open fields as do Jack Lane and Mill Lane. In 1767 there were gates on the Easingwold road at the township boundary; also at the junction of Crayke Lane with the Easingwold road; on Crayke Lane at the township boundary; on Jack Lane at the township boundary; and on York road about half way between the town street and Roseberry Lane. West of the York road on the village side of this gate, the award obliged the lord of the manor to provide a rectangular pond as a watering place for the inhabitants. This no longer exists, though the site is readily traceable. The plan is now hung on the wall of one of the classrooms in the village school. (Since removed to the Borthwick). I have a copy

There appears to be no pre enclosure plan of the Stillington town fields. Crossland Closes, Peasebrigg Closes and Blackwell Closes on the award plan of 1767 suggest the names of flatts in Ing Field, East of Jack Lane up to the goit of the mill are New Dike Flats, the oddly named Yande Marr (“Old Marsh”), the Cockshut Close, the Pear Tree Closes and the Mill Pasture. Between the Mill goit and the Foss are the Wenby (Whenby) Ings. The Mill is of course shown, as is the farm at the

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson corner of Green Lane and the Easingwold road. Shrubbery’s north and east of the Hall are named “Wilderness”

It seems probable that the majority of the strips in the Stillington and arable fields ran north and south, as in fact do most of the allotments made on their enclosure. Some of the allotments in the Ing Field were so narrow that they were probably in fact pre - enclosure field lands. The name “Crossland” may indicate strips not following the prevailing direction.

The total area enclosed under the Act of 1760, was 1360 acres, 3 roods and 12 perches. The award was made in 1767, though only the attached plan is dated. The Commissioners were Robert Bewlay junior of York, the Rev John Dealtry of Bishopthorpe, and William George Nicholson of Cawood. Allotments were made to Stephen Croft 11, in lieu of his rights in the Commons and in lieu of tithe (except the tithe of corn), and to the Rev. Lawrence Sterne. (1). GR’s Summary- 1767 Enclosure 1360.3.12 Old Enclosure, Roads etc 729.3.20 Total of Parish 2090.3.02 I am in the course (April 2012) of copying out in full the 1767 Act and intend to identify those fields with the names of the allottees and the rents recorded in 1791 as payable thereon. Completed by 2014

Other Matters:

1754 George Walker was Constable of Stillington for this year. He records in his Cash Book “for a Bridge lying in ye Luce Balke 1 shilling”

1760 27th January. In the Church Register of Burials – William Walker aged 112 years. Officiating Minister Thos Barker. Presumably he was curate for Laurence Sterne

The York Courant of 18th March 1760 advertises “To Cover at Thomas Richardson’s at Stillington at one guinea and one shilling, a grey barb of the true Arabian Breed, given to Consul Petticrew by the Dey of Algies. He is five years old. free from blemish, exceeding handsome and deals well”. The fee was moderate compared with the five guineas charged for mares covered by Mr. Anthony Smith’s Tartar at Oulston Hall in the same year

On Friday 27th June, 1760 a house at Stillington was struck by lightning and was entirely consumed by fire. The York Courant of 1st, July 1760, recording this stated that another house in the same town had been struck and consumed in the same way about three weeks previously.

An advertisement in the York Courant of 2/11/1769 gave notice that George Sherwin, about 30, near 6 feet high, light hair, bald head, light coloured cloaths, black stockings and buckskin breeches was missing from Stillington.

In 1778 the York Agricultural Society awarded its prize of 3 guineas for the best potato crop grown on a rood of land to George Hutchinson of Stillington. His crop was 120 1/2 burnels. (York Courant 30/6/1778).

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

The Turnpike In 1768 an Act of Parliament was passed creating the Oswaldkirk Bank Turnpike trust to improve the road from York to Oswalkirk Bank Top, passing through Stillington. (2) . Clerk to the Trustees in November, 1772 was John Davill whose name was appended to a notice of a meeting of the trust at which it was proposed to let the tolls to the highest bidder (York Courant, 3/11/1772).

Another Act of 1789 (3) authorised an increase in tolls, except at the Bootham Stray Gate or any other Gate nearer to the City of York. This particular restriction was removed in 1804(4), as were all restrictions on the number and position of gates in 1825. (5). The powers of the Trustees were renewed by the annual Turnpike Acts Continuance Acts until 1877, after which it was ordered that only £200 - £220 should be spent annually on repairs until the expiry of the trust in 1881. (1) Award and plan in the custody of J. B. Hutchinson Esq, Clerk of the Stillington Parish Council. (1) 8 Geo 111 c.54. (3) 29 Geo 111 c.109. (4) 44 Geo 111 c.68. (5) 6 Geo iv c 150.

An advertisement in the Yorkshire Gazette” of Saturday 12th June, 1824 gives notice of a Meeting of the Trustees of the Turnpike Road from the City of York to Oswaldkirk Bank Top to be held in the White Bear Inn at Stillington on Wednesday, 23rd June, 1824 at 12 noon for the purpose of ordering the erection of a tollgate on the east side of the said road, about nine miles from York, where a road turns off to Strensall. The notice is in the name of Johnathan Gray, Clerk to the Trustees. He was a York solicitor, living in Ogleforth in 1823. (1)

The Rev Sydney Smith, vicar of Foston, was one of the trustees of this road for a period of up to at least 1829. On 10th October, 1829, he wrote from Combe Florey near Taunton, pointing out that he could not attend a meeting on the 15th at the White Bear Inn, Stillington, being then at the “bottom of Somersetshire”, as a letter (2s.6d postage) had on the previous day invited him to do. He requested that in the circumstances his name might be scratched out of the list of trustees. In a postscript he added: “I shall think on the 15th of my friends at the White Bear, Stillington. How honourable to English gentlemen, that once or twice every month, half the men of fortune in England are jammed together at the White Bear, crushed into a mass at the Three Pigeons or perspiring intensely at the Green Dragon” (2).

There was a tollgate on this turnpike at the foot of the hill at Bransby into Gilling as the road turns the corner into the valley leading to Gilling village. The gate was about midway between the houses known as Steeplechase, at the bottom of the road from Grimston Manor and the entrance of Lousy Lane leading to Coulton. This gate was in existence at the beginning of the 1850’s and there was then a public house known as the Steeplechase Inn nearby. In about 1859 there were also apparently gates at Bransby and at the turn to Haxby and Wiggington.(3). Both seem to have been in the turnpike road itself, the former probably at or near to Barhouse Farm, the latter a little to the north of the junction. An advertisement dated 1st September, 1808 in the York Courant describes four bars - Bootham Stray Bar; Wiggington Bar and an associated side bar; and Bransby Bar, so the Steeplechase Bar must have come into being after this date. Clerk to the Trustees in 1808 was Thomas Plummer of York, and in October, 1813, J. Munby. Mr. Plummer was Clerk as early as 1790. The York Herald 23/1/1790 advertises a meeting of the trustees on the 28th instant at the house of Samuel Ella in Oswaldkirk, so meetings were not always at Stillington Inn. A much later General Annual Meeting of the trustees was that at the White Bear Stillington on 12th March, 1874. At this date W. Grey was Clerk to the Trustees. (Yorkshire Gazette, 14/2/1874) There appears to have been little regular coach traffic on this turnpike. The only stagecoaches I know of were the Helmsley Highflyer, which in 1838 was running from Leeds to Helmsley via York on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. (T. Bradley “The old coaching days in Yorkshire, 1889”), and the Helmsley to Kirby Moorside Mail which James Barber and Samuel Maddocks despatched from the Blue Swan at York at 7.45am in March 1844 (York Courant 14/3/1844). The York Herald of 5th August 1815 advertised a new diligence from York to Helmsley from the Elephant & Castle Inn, Skeldergate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Leaving at 6.00am it reached Helmsley before noon and returned the same day.

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

Highways: Apart from the turnpike road the township continued to maintain its own highways, as it had done previously, under the old system of statute labour supervised by elected surveyors of highways. The surveyors accounts of Stillington survive from (1753 to1773 in the hands of Audrey and Bill Shepherd of Stillington,which they allowed me to copy. I have dealt with this book separately) and 1794 to 1799 and from 1822 to 1840, at Northallerton) illustrating very well the workings of the system (4). Two surveyors were appointed each Michaelmas, to serve for the next twelve months. Those appointed at Michaelmas 1794, accounted for equipment and cash received as follows:-“to Sundry Tools and Implements delivered to us by our predecessors viz. 3 Hammers for Breaking Stones, 1 How, 1 Paving Hammer, 1 Javelin, 1 Shovel, 1 Hack, 1 Rake, two centres for Bridge valued to us at £1.0.0 To the Balance of our Predecessors £0.04.02 1/2 Compositions £4.03.11 1/2 Received upon Sess Bill @ 5d per Pound £25.15.10 The “Compositions” seem to have been sums paid by persons in lieu of Statute labour and the “Sess” is the Assessment of the Highway rate for the year.

Against income from these sources the Surveyors had to set the year’s disbursements, chiefly for labour and materials. On 20th August, 1794, the Surveyors for 1793/4 paid for 190 loads of stones at 4d a load (£3 .3s 1d.), a load of covering stones for bridges (2s. 6d.) and 20 loads of cobbles (five shillings). The materials would be local and from 1822 the accounts specify that (as had probably always been the case) stone was obtained from Yearsley, Ampleforth and Brandsby. Similarly bricks for the bridges came from the low lands of the Vale of York, from places such as Huby (500 bricks on 25th June, 1825 - 3s.6d; and 1,000 bricks on 15th July, 1825 - 7s.0d.) and Tollerton (2,000 bricks on 1st October, 1825 - 14s.0d.). Other materials required were sand, coping stones and timber. The last seems to have been required for some of the bridges, as when in 1795 the Surveyors paid seven shillings for two planks for the bridge in Mill Lane, with one and sixpence to John Cass for work and brags and sixpence for bringing the planks from York; and again as on the 21st May, 1797, when Thomas Cass was paid for a “stoop” (post) and labour at West Lane Bridge.

(1) Baines op. cit. (2) Collected edition of Sydney Smith’s letters (Clarendon Press 1953), Letter No. 544 (3) Walker’s Foxhunting Map of the N.Riding (Copy dated 1859 by a former owner) (4) Formerly In the custody of J.B. Hutchinson Esq, Clerk of the Parish Council.

Timber was also used for guide posts and guard railings., ( in 1830 for “Crayke Turn” and in the Town Street). Tools required renewal, especially shafts for the hammers, which in the 1790’s seem to have cost 3d. each. Prices had of course increased considerably between 1799 and 1802, when the accounts resume. Cobbles in 1822 were a shilling a load, against 3d a load in 1794. In 1795 stones were charged at 4d a load, whereas in 1825 the cost varied from a shilling to over two shillings a load. Much of course must have depended on the type of stone or brick used. Thus in 1825 the Surveyors paid fourteen shillings for two thousand bricks from Tollerton but no less than £8.15s.0d. for another consignment of seven thousand, clearly of different quality. During the years 1825/28 it looks as if bridges were being built or were being rebuilt in brick, the bricklayers in some cases being named as John and Thomas Wood.

The surveyors were responsible for not only keeping the roads and bridges in good order but also for clearing the adjoining ditches and in some cases for repairing walls and fences. Examples of work carried out are:- 5th July, 1795. To casting the Mill Lane £3. 15s.0d 10th May, 1828, to repairing Wandle Bridge 11 ..0 10th October, 1829. To building Skew f. Bridge --- 5s 0d 9th January, 1830 . To cleaning ditches in Craike Lane - .6 . 0 10th July, 1830. To repairing Back lane Bridge - . 6 . 0

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

28th August, 1830. To levelling Moor Lane 2 . - . - 3rd March, 1832. To taking up Dobson Bridge - 2 . 0 Many of the payments were to individuals for so many days work. Probably this labour was not all employed at once, but merely two or three men here and there as required. There were however a number of days when everyone who had not compounded his liability, nor was exempt, was supposed to turn out and the work done on such days was known as “Common day work”. The maximum liability for common day works was apparently six days in the year. In 1795 the surveyors charged half a guinea for attending (i.e. supervising) six common day works. In later years, however, common day works seem to have been less frequent. Expenditure and rates varied considerably from year to year. Between Michaelmas, 1794 , and Michalmas, 1795, receipts amounted to £29. 19s. 91/2d. and disbursements to £28. 17s. 9d. . A “Sess” of 5d in the pound was levied and produced £25. 15s. 10d. The previous year’s Sess had been 2d in the pound. In 1822/23 the assessment was 7d in the pound and in 1823/24 was no less than one and ninepence in the pound. The same high rate was maintained in 1824/25, when the assessment was one and eightpence in the pound, with expenditure of £122. 14s. 21/2d; and in 1825/26 when it was one and ninepence in the pound, with expenditure of £103. 16s . 11/2d. There seems to have been a lot of bridge work in these years which would account for some of the comparatively high expenditure. That it was comparatively heavy is shown by succeeding years. In 1826/27 the sess was 11d in the pound; in 1827/28 1s. 1d; in 1828/29 7d; in 1829/30 1s 2d.; in 1830/31 1s. 1d; in 1831/32 1s. 4d. In 1832/33 6d; in 1833/34 8d, in 1834/35 6d; in 1836/37 1s 5d; in 1837/38 1s 8d.; 1838/39 1s 6d. and in 1839/40 1s .4d. Assessments were made at the end of the year, taking into account compositions received. Though the Stillington surveyors were annually appointed, in practice the same persons often served for a number of years in succession. Thus Christopher, Richard and Thomas Sowray served continuously from Michaelmas, 1794, to Michaelmas, 1797, George Thompson and John Darley served from Michaelmas, 1797, to Michaelmas, 1799. Noah Wynn, landlord of the “White Bear” and Thomas Wilkinson, the miller at Stillington Mill, served together for three years from 1822/25, followed by Colonel Harry Croft, the lord of the manor, and Thomas Sowray, brewer, who served for five years from 1825/30. Colonel Croft in fact did another two years, in 1830/31 with John Hall a farmer and in 1831/32 with Thomas Ellis. Noah Wynn then came back for three years, this time with Robert Sowray. Robert Sowray carried on with Thomas Brown in 1836/37 and 1837/38 and Brown continued in 1838/39 and 1839/40 with John Hall.

Stillington almost achieved direct water transport at the end of the eighteenth century. The Foss Navigation Act of 1793 authorised the improvement of the river as far as Stillington Mill, but for lack of funds the navigation was never completed further than River Head, about a mile south of Sheriff Hutton, and that not until after the proprietors had obtained fresh borrowing powers by a second Act of 1801. Stephen Croft (probably Stephen Croft 11) was one of the original proprietors. A proposal to extend navigation to Stillington at the General Meting of 2.1.1809* to Stillington, attracted fierce objections, due to little trade. In 1810 it was revealed that toll receipts for the first 5 years of working amounted to only £1655. (Minutes of the Foss Navigtion Co. Wm Giles Mss, York Ref Library) * Hull history centre UDDBH/12/46.

Forty - shilling freeholders living at Stillington at the time of the county election of 1807 were Stephen Croft 111, the lord of the manor; the Rev John Cookson, probably a curate; Andrew Brown, butcher; John Harper, shopkeeper; Thomas Webster, cordwainer; and William Farrer, William Flintoft, Henry and James Gibson, Thomas Jackson, and George Thompson, yeoman. The vicar at the time was William Oddie, instituted in 1794, in succession to John Varey, who had followed Sterne on the latters death in 1768. Mr. Oddie seems to have been non - resident in 1794, when his curate the Rev. Thomas Gilpin, was living at Easingwold. Mr. Gilpin came of a talented family. His father Sawrey Gilpin R.A. (1733 - 1807) was a well known animal painter, who is still remembered for his sporting pictures and one of his brothers Sawrey Gilpin (1762 - 1843) in addition to being well known as a water colourist had a substantial practice as a landscape gardener. Thomas Gilpin married a girl

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson from Jersey, Rebecca Paddock, daughter of a Captain Adino Paddock. While at Easingwold they had a son, Adino Paddock Gilpin, born 10th April, 1794. Mr. Cookson in 1807, looks very like Mr.Oddie’s residing curate.

Deserter? Thomas Sowray of Stillington, farmer, height 5ft 5 1/2 ins enrolled in the 4th North York local Militia on 7/3/1809 by ballot was posted as a deserter on 18/11/1811 for failing to attend the 14 days annual training at Thirsk thus rendering himself liable to a £20 penalty or six months imprisonment. He was believed to be in the Excise service in the West Riding (York Courant 18/11/1811).

Nawton and Wombleton That the Croft family still had substantial interest in the villages is evidenced by the large number of property transactions recorded in the Court Rolls, right through to the early 1900’s. Also in 1816 when the Kirkdale and Helmsley Enclosure Award was enacted some 71 Acres and 1 Rood of land in Wombleton was recorded as Copyhold of the Manor of Stillington and 22 Acres 1 Rood and 26 perches of land in Nawton was also recorded as Copyhold of Stillington. (Borthwick Institute, York )

Vicars: When Thomas Croft MA was instituted to the living in 1822, he does not seem to have taken up residence , probably living at Aldborough, near Boroughbridge. In 1823 his residing curate was Isaac Grayson. A directory of 1834 (1) names the Rev. George Naper, again possibly a curate. The Rev Robert Handasyde was Mr. Croft’s curate in 1840, but in 1841 the vicar appears to have been in residence. How long he remained so is not known (1) The Rev Stewart BA. occupied the vicarage in 1852/3. Robert David Jackson was licensed to the curacy of Stillington on 2nd December 1854.(2). In 1857 the Rev Isaac Grayson was back at the vicarage(4) (1) Pigot and Co’s National Commercial Directory for 1834;White’s Directory 1840 Pigot and Co’s National Commercial Directory, 1841 (2) Easingwold Chronicle 1/1/1855 (3) Gill Vallis Eboracis 1852 (4) Kellys Directory,

Population In 1823 Stillington was a village of seven hundred souls. Lord of the Manor was Colonel Harry Croft of the Hall. Private residents included Captain William Croft RN, Captain Robert Allen, Mr. David Sadler, Mrs. Mary Wilkinson, Mr. Grayson the curate. and William Dennis the surgeon. The last named was apparently still flourishing at Stillington in 1854, to judge from an advertisement that year for Dennis’s celebrated Family Pills “for bilious complaints, viscid concretions, disorders of the stomach and bowels, flatulency, giddiness, asthma and sick headache occasioned by indigestion, &c. &c “and prepared principally” from the gums and other productions of the Eastern World “for Mr. Dennis surgeon at Stillington” There were two Blacksmiths in the village in 1823, three bricklayers two brewers, three butchers, six joiners, six shoemakers and four tailors. The bricklayers included John and Thomas Wood who have been noted above as working for the surveyors of highways. The blacksmiths were, George Richardson and Johnathan Slater. At this date there was a plumber and glazier (George Spruce), a cooper and a tallow Chandler. Robert Gibson, an officer of Excise, was resident at Stillington. There were three public houses, the Bay Horse (William Thompson), the White Dog (Matthew Wilson) and the White Bear (Noah Wynn). A poulterer, William Wright went to York on Saturdays, to the White Swan in Pavement, arriving there at 10.00am and departing at 2.00pm. A carrier David Masser, also went to York each Saturday. Joseph Robinson was the master of a National School built in 1820 or 1821 by Colonel Croft. (1) Thomas Waddington of Stillington , described as a fellmonger, gave evidence at the trial at York Castle on 31st March, 1829, of Johathan Matrix, (Martin) the madman who set fire to York Minster. He had known him for 5 years and described his state of mind. A Stillington farmer William Barker, gave evidence at the same trial that he had met Martin the previous summer on the road from Stillington to Sheriff Hutton. Barker was wearing black at the time and Martin presumably mistook him for a clergyman since he addressed him with the words. “I pity

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson you poor soul - you are on the high road to destruction, hell is opening to receive you. I have a message from God to you; you blind leaders of the blind”. He added that he was a prophet, that he had a commission from God, that he was next to God, being his only son and to him he revealed his secret will. Poor Law: The old Poor Law in its latter days is illustrated by the Cash Book of the Stillington Overseers which has survived from the 6th February, 1830, to 31st October, 1832 (2). As with the surveyors of highways two overseers were appointed each year. They may have changed more frequently than the surveyors. At any rate in the short period of three years covered by the book there were three different sets of overseers. In 1830/31 John Wood, the bricklayer and George Spruce the plumber; in 1831 George Barker a farmer, and Charles Burden; and in 1832/33 John Hall, a farmer and William Cobb, a butcher. The overseers were responsible for the provision of poor relief on a parish basis. In the period in question this seems usually to have been in the shape of cash payments, though sometimes it was in kind, as on 17th September, 1830, when two overseers paid a pound for goods for Samuel Webster, or on 27th October, 1832, when they paid 6s 6d for shirts and stockings for the child of a man named Walker. They also sometimes provided necessary services as on 21st December,1830, when they paid two shillings for repairs to H. Howard’s house and a shilling for mending Thomas Hall’s shirt. The six shillings paid on 14th June, 1830, for coals for Robert North may have meant that he was then ill, unless it related to goods previously provided, At all events the overseers paid fourteen shillings for his funeral on 9th July following. As mentioned below I have copies of the Cash books of the constable, church wardens, overseers of the poor and overseer of the highways for the years 1753-74. (1) Baines op sit (2) In the custody of J.B. Hutchinson Esq, Clerk of the Parish.

Some payments of relief were merely noted as “to a Poor Man” or “To Lodging a Poor Family” and the lack of names sees to imply that these were casual paupers not resident in the parish. An entry of 30th September, 1831: “Paid for Lodging Paupers at Scafes 9/-” is no doubt of this nature. Where paupers were chargeable to another parish it was the duty of the overseers to see that an order was obtained for their removal to that parish. There are several entries in the Stillington account book relating to this. A mysterious “Caroline” appears in the accounts in 1831 and 1832. Most of the payments are simply stated as relief but on 2nd of March, 1832 the overseers paid “Expences with Caroline 5/3”; on 12th March, 1832: “To Bread and Cheese for Caroline 2/9 1/2 “; and at some unspecified date “11/- for shoes for Caroline”. Despite Caroline’s lack of surname in the accounts the overseers seem to have been able to get her removed to her native parish, since on the 19th March, 1832, they paid “Expences removing Caroline 7 .6 .0”. Sometimes removals involved parishes in appreciable expense and disputes, which had to be argued before Quarter Sessions. Payments made on 25th October, 1830: “to Expences at North allerton 12.19.9” and on 18th March, 1831; “To Mr. Smith Attorney 16.4.4” look as if they were made in connection with contested removals.

Quite often paupers had to be taken to hospital or taken on quite long journeys to other parishes. In May, 1832, a coach was hired to take T. Eden’s family to Hull. The reason is not stated, but they later returned under the charge of Elijah Todd. Then there were payments in cases of mental illness as on 28th August, 1832, when the overseers paid £3 18.0d “to the Asylum for Ann Mason”, which looks like a maintenance payment to one of the York asylums. Finally they had to pay for the burial of paupers. At Easingwold, under rules drawn up the Select Vestry in 1828, the Workhouse master was to superintend funerals from the house and invite a number of the out - door poor to act as bearers, who were to be served with bread, cheese and ale, according to the usual custom”. Again at Easingwold, a parish coffin, kept in the church, was used for such funerals. (There is still one at Sheriff Hutton church (GR) ). The body being later buried uncoffined. No doubt the overseers or the Vestry Clerk at Stillington made similar arrangements. (They most certainly did, I (GR) have photocopied the Cash Book of The Constable, The Church Wardens, The Overseers of the Poor and the Highways Overseer for Stillington for the years 1753/74 and they make most interesting reading and are similar to those listed below for Easingwold) The overseers carried out a fairly wide variety of ancillary duties. They assessed the poor rate (on 30th March, 1830, their expenses of “Laying Cess” amounted to six shillings), attended Quarter Sessions as

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson required, compiled lists of pauper lunatics, jury lists and voters lists and transmitted them to the proper authorities and in 1831 compiled the ten yearly census return for the parish (27th May 1831; “Taking Population 7/- ”; 2nd July, 1831; “Taking Population to York 3/-; and 11th July, 1831: “Journey to York with Population 3/-).

A list of the duties of the Vestry Clerk in the Easingwold Rules of 1828 is instructive. This shows that the poor were paid each Friday by the overseers and no doubt a similar course was followed at Stillington. The Clerk also made out the highway assessments and composition bills for the surveyors, compiled the poor rate assessments and the assessments for constable rates, delivered to the magistrates and Deputy Lieutenants lists for the purposes of drawing for the militia, and assisted in collecting of land tax and assessed taxes. He was “to keep an eye upon all unmarried females, who are suspected to be with child, and are likely to become chargeable to the town; and remove all such as do not belong to the township, by a Magistrates order, to their proper settlement, to look for the reputed fathers of bastards belonging to the township, to take out suspended orders for the removal of sick paupers not chargeable to the township and on their convalescence to remove them to their proper places of settlement “in the most frugal manner” and generally to make sure that the parish only maintained only the poor who were legally settled there. Probably these duties were also (if only in theory) carried out by the Stillington overseers and vestry clerk. An incidental point in the Stillington poor accounts is the high cost of postage. In 1830 the overseers paid 8d for one letter from Stockton (probably Stockton on Tees) and 1s 3d for another, 11d for a letter from Liverpool, 91/2d for one from Hull and 1s. 01/2d for one from London. On the other hand a letter from York in the same year cost only 2d. (There was a regular riding post from York to Helmsley through Stillington in 1823, with a 7 a.m. delivery of mail from York and a 4 p.m. delivery of mail from Helmsley. The postman at that time was William Garbutt (1) The arrangements in 1830 were probably similar). Stillington’s poor rate for 1829/30 was 2s.2d in the pound, the assessment producing £128.5s.51/4d. In 1830/31 it was 2s.9d in the pound and in 1831/32 2s.10d in the pound.

The Crofts cont'd and also Stillington in the 1800’s

Colonel Harry Croft continue to reside at the Hall until at least 1841. (Died 1853). Mrs. Croft appears to have been a widow in 1855, probably a fairly recent one, otherwise both sons would not have been serving in the army. Harry, who was drowned in the great storm off Balaclava on 14th, Nov, 1854, as mentioned above, would in all probability have sold out when he succeeded to the estate. Capt William Croft R.N. was promoted to Rear Admiral in summer of 1841. He lived at the large house on the South side of the town street still known as the “Admiral’s house” and died on 6th May , 1872, at the age of 90. (See my "History of the Crofts for more detail GR)

In 1840, apart from Colonel and Captain Croft, Stillington residents included two doctors, William Dennis (described at that time as a druggist) and Henry Lee; Thomas Oliver Esq and Miss Sarah Richardson, gentlewoman; Francis Moiser, who managed the corn, bone and sawmills of Col. Croft; Mr. McDonald, road surveyor; William Suggit a tailor in 1834, but now a nurseryman, and Thomas Elleker and John Pennington, Schoolmasters. George Richardson and Johanthan Slater were still Blacksmiths. The White Dog was kept by Joseph Brittlebank, The Bay Horse by Thomas Wright (see note regarding his exercise book kept of 1792 at Northallerton Record Office (GR) ) and The Bear by Noah Wynn. John Hodgson, a shoemaker in 1834, and William Scaife kept beerhouses, while Thomas Salmon and Thomas Sowray were brewers. Thomas Wood the bricklayer also kept a beerhouse at this time. David Mercer (clearly the same as David Masser in 1834) carried to the Waggon and Horses inn at York, as also did E.Todd (no doubt the Elijah Todd named in the Overseers Accounts in 1832).

The public houses in 1857 were the Bay Horse, White Dog and White Bear. Noah Wynn was still landlord of the White Bear as indeed he was in 1865. The Commercial must have been for a short time

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson the name of one of these inns, probably the White Dog. (1) In 1862/65 the Landlord of the White Dog was William Knowlson, who appears also to have run a band (2) In 1873 William Henry Jemison LLB became vicar of Stillington.

In 1890 the lord of the Manor was Harry Croft Esq of the Hall. Residents included Thomas Wood, builder, and Tom Richardson, blacksmith, Mrs. J. Scott and Richard Johnson Leckenby, ‘bus proprietor”, all of whom ran carrying services to York. The public houses were The Boot and Shoe (William Skelton Myers), The White Dog (William Knowlson) the White Bear (Thomas Young) and the Fox (John Boggett) (3). John Boggett had held the Fox from at least 1865. The Boot and Shoe had been licensed under that name in 1865 when the landlord was Thomas Hodgson. The Bay Horse was held in 1865 by Thos. Wilkinson (5). In 1887 the Boot and Shoe was held by Skelton Myers. (6). Sometime later I give more details of the Pubs and their publicans.

(1) Kelly’s Directories, 1857. (2) Easingwold Times 13/12/1862. & Slaters Directories 1865 (3) Bulmer op cit. (2) Slaters Diretory 1865. (5) ibid (6) Kelly’s Directories 1887.

Stillington Parish Council came into being as a result of the Local Government Act, 1894, its first Meeting being reported in the Easingwold Advertiser of 5th January 1895. William Richardson, clerk of the Parish Meeting, was elected chairman, with the vicar the Rev. W.H. Jemison as vice - chairman, Noah Wynn as treasurer and William Gibson clerk.

In 1901 Rawdon Thornton Esq J.P. was living at the Hall which he had purchased in 1895. Public houses were the Boot and Shoe (William Jackson), the Bay Horse (Thomas Leaper), The White Dog (William Knowlson), and the White Bear (Thomas Young) and the Fox (Richard Jackson). (1)

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

National School

Church and Chapel : In 1767 Thomas Wilkinson built a Methodist Meeting House, with Joiner’s Shop above, on the west side of the Green. Between 1785 and 1818, George Walker built a Methodist Chapel in main Street, opposite the White Bear. A Weslyan Methodist Chapel was built on this site in 1844 (5) In 1800 the Methodist Society at Stillington had consisted of eleven members, led by George Walker. In 1812 this number had increased to fifty - nine, but by 1822 had dropped again to forty. There was a school attached to the chapel in 1859 (6). In 1890 and 1901 this school was attended by some fifty children or a little under that number. Its capacity in the latter year was seventy. The master in 1890 was James E. Charnock and in 1901 Albert Stafford (7). A Primitive Methodist Chapel was built in 1866 (on the corner of the road junction leading to York, on the Easingwold corner. (8)) Stillington has a link with early Methodism, since Robert Spence, who was son of a blacksmith at Stillington, and a successful tradesman at York, became a Methodist at the time of John Wesley. He was a local preacher for 57 years.

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

The Parish church of St. Nicholas was largely rebuilt in 1840, though parts of the chancel and north vestry date from the twelfth century eg Priests Door 12th century and lancet window in Tower, 13th century (Report by Architect Brierly to Vicar Smith in 1906). The 1840 rebuilding involved the nave and aisles, which were included under one roof of the same pitch as that of the chancel, and the tower was re-sited from the south side to the west. In the nave are the Royal Arms of George 11 dated 1739. There are Croft monuments on the north wall of the chancel and in the same place is a hatchment of the same family. The arms of Croft of Stillington were quarterly indented erminois and gules, with a leopard rampant gules in the quarter. There are also tablets in the church to Mrs. Jane Stainforth (d. 1775) and her husband William (d, 1782) (see separately my article on the Stainforths and Facebys’) and to the Rev. John Varley (d. 1794). A new font was given in 1871 in memory of Mrs. C.S. Haffenden, daughter of Admiral Croft (9) but this was later taken out and the old font brought back into use. After a period out of doors the font given by the Admiral’s daughter was transferred to Wass church. There are three bells respectively from 1739, about the fourteenth century and 1698. The first was cast by E. Seller of York and recast in 1946 by John Taylor and Co. of Loughborough in memory of John Leslie Hutchinson R.N. killed in the Battle of Crete in 1941 at the age of 20. The last was cast by Samuel Smith of York. All three were rehung with new ringing fittings by J.P.Mallaby & Co. in 1914. The parish registers date from 1666. (See my detailed book on the church).

Addendum –York Minster Library –"Articles to be enquired of in the visition of the Rt. Worshipful Dean and Chapter of York to be held in the parish church of Stillington 1694. A list of questions/demands as to the standards required to be maintained eg state of repair of the church & Churchyard. Questions regarding conduct of the parson, churchwardens and people. Exclusion of papists, but Quakers O.K.

Kelly’s Directories 1901. (2) Gill op Cit p.415.(3) Easingwold Chronicle 1/1/1855. (4) Bulmer op cit; Kelly’s Directories 1901. (5) Kelly op cit. (6) Whellan & Co. op cit. (7) & (8) Kelly’s Directories, 1901. (9) ibid.

Horse Patrols Hull Record Office U DDJ\30\43 and York Library HAW/7

Such was the state of lawlessness in the 1840’s that the local gentry in the countryside around York, formed an association called Association for the protection of Property in York and its Neighbourhood. They met in the Black Swan in York and formed a committee of 14 men. There were 78 patrons, including Colonel Harry Croft of Stillington and his cousin Stephen William Croft of Farlington. It set up 6 Horse Patrol Stations, one being at Stillington. The Force consisted of 15 men. It did not help matters when the first Superintendent of the Patrol Force, one Joseph Steadman Maddison, who was stationed at Heworth was found to have embezzled over £400 of the Associations money in July 1843. He was convicted at York Assizes and sentenced to 18 months hard labour. A number of successes were claimed with the arrest of burglars and incendiarism. One such man, William Potter was caught at Wistow and given the death sentence for this offence. In the Report for 1844 the Association claimed to be successful in the conviction of over 120 persons the previous year. By this date Stillington was part of the Patrol No 9 controlled from Huby and covered, Stillington, Sutton on Forest, Tollerton and Linton and Newton on Ouse. The force was in November 1943, placed under the superintendence of the Chief Constable of York,

Luce Balk (now Lucy Balk)

This footpath comes across the fields from the Parish of Marton. It appears to commence at West Marton Farm, some distance north of Harryfield Lane (which joins the Priories/ Monasteries) of Marton and Moxby. It crosses Jack Lane (now commonly called the Brandsby Road) and continues south in a more or less direct line until it enters Stillington village at (North) Back Lane, close to the

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson rear of the Church, nearly opposite Little Lane (in the 1881 Ordnance Survey Map it was called Joe Lane now called Vicar’s Walk), and onto Front Street (Main Street). The track was called Luce Balk in the mid 1700’s and the Cash Book of the Constable for the period 1753-1773 records repairs to the Bridge at Luce Balk on a number of occasions. So it was obviously well used. My theory for the name is that it comes from the latin luc, a light. Probably a light was hung in the church tower as a guide to travellers from Marton Abbey as it is in a more or less direct line from the road from Marton Abbey to Moxby Priory (Harryfield Lane) as mentioned above. A list of money held, or supposed to be held, in the North Riding in 1548 for chantries and similar purposes refer to the “stoke” theyre (i.e. at Stillington) geven for the fynding of a light being in the andes of the churchwardens, xls”. “The parties deny that they have any such stoke and that they be but poore men”. (Surtees Soc Vol xcvii p118).

1851 Map – Village Pound, Stocks, Joe Lane, Town end Pond

The first edition of the six inch Ordinance Survey Map, surveyed in 1851, shows a Public House named the Commercial Inn. Other features at this time were the Parochial School and the Pinfold (Pound) on the Green, the Town End Pond in a former sandpit on the road to Easingwold (also known as the Roobers) and the Lucy Balk at the east end of the North Skeugh Field. Village Stocks are clearly marked as being against the wall of the Churchyard at the entrance near to the Vicarage Gates fronting onto Main Street. At this date Vicar’s Lane was marked as Joe Lane. A portion of the map is shown on the next page.

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

Wills and Charities

Up to 1858 wills of persons dying in the parish including Nawton and Wombleton were proved there by virtue of the fact that it was a peculiar jurisdiction for probate purposes, one of many in Yorkshire. The patron of the living is the Archbishop. A list of some of these wills is attached.

The parish charities in 1923 were administered under a scheme of 28th August, 1891 as varied on 21st May 1897. They consisted of Jane Rawdon’s gift of 1654 of the rent of a cottage and share of common on West Moor, let at £12. 5s. 0d per annum for the poor; William Cook’s of 1713 of five shillings a year for the poor from his allotment in the Roobers; (apparently the Roobers is the land surrounding what is now the Duckpond at the entrance to the village on the Easingwold Road). In 1998 the landowners “bought out “ this rent charge from the Stillington Charity at a cost of 20 years rental) and Alice Cooks of 1715 of five shillings a year for poor widows out of the same land, which was also bought out for a similar sum at the same time. The allotment referred to must have been one of those made following the disafforestation of Galtres in 1630. In addition John Calvert of 1836 left the income of £100 for poor widows. The cottages and small piece of land, which became a Blacksmiths shop are on the Green between North Back Lane and Jack Lane (Brandsby Road) were sold in June 1926. All proceeds of John Calvert’s £100 and the cottages are now invested in 85 M&G Charibonds. These cottages and the Blacksmith’s shop are shown clearly in the 1891 Census, adjacent to the Boot & Shoe Inn, now a house. The Blacksmith’s shop is now a house known as The Anvil. This Charity is now a Registered Charity N0. 246805, known as Stillington Charity for Relief in Need. It owns 17.562 acres of Land, part wood, part arable with an income from letting same of approximately £1100 which the Trustees distribute to those in need who are residents of Stillington. This land lies between Green Lane and Easingwold Golf Course and is known as Poor’s Land.

A “Peculiar” Parish,- The History of Stillington by Grahame Richardson

Wills etc proved at Stillington

Wombleton Peacock John 1617 Will Peacocke George 1616 Will Mooreson Robert 1699 Will Harrison George 1604 Inventory Herysone William 1604 Will Chapman Thomas 1587 Admon Braithwaite John 1591 Will Barker Thomas 1599 Inventory Young Richard 1515 Inventory NB There were a nimber of Barkers but as they did not say either Wombleton or Nawton, I took them to be of Stillington. This was the case for other names too

Nawton Johnson Henry 15?? Will Johnson Margaret (Widow) 1601 Will Halder Robert 1593 Will Hardwicke John 1608 Will Caite John 1664 Inventory Bell John 1561 Will Wilkinson, yeoman 1615 Will

There were many more wills all relating to Stillington Eg Owstayne Robert Vicar 1581 Inventory (In the list of vicars in Stillington church he is Robert Howston) Also Richardson Christopher 1784 Will Christopher yeoman 1829 Will George Cordwainer 1777 Will Richard Farmer 1805 Will Thomas Victualler 1778 Will John 1575 Inventory Tinniswood Thomas 8.6.1783 Will Vol 38 Fo 171

Walker Edward 1616 Will Margaret 1755 Will

Wilkinson Joseph yeoman 1808 Will Richard joiner 1790 Will Thomas 1788 Will Thomas (the elder) yeoman 1820 Will

A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1

Modern vicars of Stillington have been in 1906 Matthew Henry Smith. M.A.; in 1910 John Ramsden M.A.; in 1912 Albert John Perkins B.A.: in 1927 Herbert William Smith; and in 1956 William Peter Mason B.A. L.Th, B.D. Of these Alfred Ramsden and Herbert William Smith vacated by resignation; Albert John Perkins by Cession and the others by death. (See separately my History of Stillingon Church GR).

Boulder (SE 57 70 6840) In the North Skeugh Field is a boulder of very hard Cherty Limestone. It measures 4feet 3 inches by 3feet 2 inches by 2 feet 7 inches, deposited in the glacial age. (T.Bulmer & Co- History, Topography & Directory of North Yorkshire 1888, page 800) ( Shewn on the Ordnance Survey Map, 1000 yards to the North side of Stillington to Easingwold Road) In about 1960 Mervyn Ellis, a local farmer of Church Farm House, Stillington, buried it. Later John Sparrow, senior, who bought Mervyn’s land, excavated it when undertaking some drainage and circa 1990 John Sparrow junior, his nephew, moved it to the entrance to his farm yard, a few yards away.

Lake on the Carr adjacent to Carr Lane (York Road) and The Roseberry (Lane)

Extract from Thomas Wright book of 1767-1820

1803 “Also the said Stephen Croft Draning the carr a Sheet of watter above 18 Acres wherein was several Islands cast up and planted with trees &c pleasure house &c” As the lake is shown on the map of 1767, Stephen Croft presumably enlarged and made a feature of it in 1803

St John's Well - (SE 5833 6720) This holy well is shown on the 1891 O.S. Map, marked as a small pool in a wooded area by the road from York to Stillington village, just within its Southern boundary. No obvious water source can be found as the area is covered with brambles and undergrowth. It is now a small boggy 'puddle' The first edition OS map shows this holy well as a square structure within a small circular enclosure, so this well appears to have been a significant site at one time, perhaps similar to the St Johns well at nearby Moxby.

The OS map marks the well as being chalybeate and on the southern edge of the wood there is a drainage ditch which shows significant signs of chalybeate waters seeping from the side of the ditch, indicating the water source is still present.

Publicly Funded Housing Variously described as Poor Houses, Council Houses, Housing Association Houses, Affordable Houses

Over the years the Village has provided land for a considerable number of houses for the public who have been unable to provide their own. Since 1945 It has provided :

Mill Lane 8 Opposite Village Pond (West View) 4 Carr View 6 Hill View 9-11 & 12-19 11 Hill View 1-8 8 Lane Cottages 6 The Lanes (North Back Lane) 4 Carr Lane (Souters Field) 10 57 Many years ago the Poor Houses next to the Boot and Shoe 3

The total stock of residential properties in 2013 is 350 i.e. 16%

Unfortunately every so often it has been politically expedient to sell many of these, so not all these are available for their original purpose.

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 30 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 Survey of Boundary of Stillington Duchy of Lancaster papers

Cash Book of Richard Cholomley of Brandsby 1602 -1623 –kept at Easingwold Library

Richard Cholomley, a catholic, who resided at Brandsby Hall kept a cash book for the above period. In it are several references to Stillington. These are interesting in that they give names of people of Stillington. Nearly all the references are in respect of trees cut down and removed without his permission from his two woods called Spellow (Spellar ?) and Awmett. I have abbreviated the entries

Page 237 -1609 May 26. I and Christopher Hebdon entered bond with and for Thomas Cholomley in £252 for the payment of £126 unto Thomas Cocke the 26th day of November next in Stillington church porch.

Page 52 -1611 April 7. Subsedy £16 after xvjd. Each £1 W.Lecby to Mr.Cooke of Stillington collector pay’d for me £xx. (£20)

Page 55 -1612 Feb 14. Edward Haire of Stillington beinge convict of fellonye and havinge a mare and a foale grast with Matthew Cooke in Brandsby closes from sennett (seven days or one week) after Martinmas (11th November) to the Annuntiation (25th March) for vjs. viijd., (6s 8d)., I havinge seazed on them and had them 4 weeks and od dayes in my own grownd did lett him have them againe taking but xs (10 shillings) for them and their meat while they were with me.

Page 56 -1612 Feb 18. Edward Read of Stillington brought me secret worde that Burnett’s garth neare Rawdon’s garth in Stillington toward the Carr in the Skewbe is newlye quicksett, and also 40 longe younge ashes thicker than a soestange sett about within the garth. Also that one called Kalam on the grene in Stillington hath in his garden together in the grownde redye to be sett about 50 or moe suchlyke young ashes. And that the Jurye is now settinge out for William Humble one pease of grounde to make a croft or garth on, which he verelye thinks they do buy of one Robert Bonwell who was brother of Jeames Bonwell of Marten Lordship and of Robert Hart of the Cravenclose house of such idle and lowse persons who do all get such in my Spellowe and Awmett wodds.

Page 32 -1612-June3 To Andrew Wodd of Stillington, housewright, one ash heap of vj price vjs. …..earnest ijd., (6s 7d) cary away next week, and pay before they go away. This is interesting in that the Wood family were builder’s based on the Green in Stillington and were active until the late 1900’s. Mrs. Wood a member of the family still lives in Stillington, her son Richard dying at her house in 2005.

Page 79 – 1614 May 22. Wodd and Edward Hayre of Stillington sould me 120 foet of halfinche boards for three farthings a foet. And 60 rayles for tables or waynscott for (blank).

Page 66 -1615 May 5. Empson of Stillington for 2 great ashes ixs whereof vjd. Earnest. To him also 10 Spiers 3s 4d earnest iiijd pay and carry by Whitsonday.

Page 96 -1615 June 3. According to my aunt Fairfax will I payd unto my cosin Styllyngton £v for the catholic presenors in the castle and Kydcote (Sheriff’s goal).

Page 97 –1615 June 3 Lyme at Yorke 10 horse loads viijs. iiijd (8 shillings and 4d)., 2 horse codds 111jd towel or gatelaw ijd, drunke at Stillington ijd.

Page 117 – 1616 May 19 Marmaduke Row did suffer his old servant the Tynkerds wife to beare a childe in his house this night gotten by the mylner of Owleston, now servant to Ed. Walkar of Styllington. She came to Brandesby but this day.

Page 128 -1616 Dec 25. William Faceby of Stillington, his forewarnynge of one Laurence Blaylocke brageinge to have process furth of the Crowne Office against certaine Catholyks.

Page 140-1617 June 7. Much detail about trees and wood stolen from his woods and made into /trelless, spiggetts, spindles etc at Robert Peckett’s in Stillington by a sennett (7 nights) or more together

Page 141- 1617 July 5 Garrett saith further that Robert Peckett of the thorntree in Stillington getteth what wood he lyketh in Spellow often and hath used so to do for longe.

Page 149-1617 Dec 8. Richard Younge of Stillington, Henrye Watson tooke cuttinge wyndinge in Awmett wood and caryed him before other tenant’s to witness.

Page 152-1618 Feb 27. Edward Kydson of Stillington stealing wood in Spellow one Bossall of Stillington helping him to load.

Page 153-1618 Mar 5 Jeffray Lynton butcher and George Bland of Stillington take trees in Awmett wood.

Page 163-1619 Feb 5. Mr. Owsman parson or vicar of Stillington – long ash trees and set them.

Page ?- 1619 March. Mr. John Wilforth and I bargained. I his goashalke and he my blacke nagge Bynnynge he gave me to boote xxxs (thirty shillings).

Page 199-1620 June 7. Mr. John Wilforth of Stillington with many others hunting deer in Awmet wood.

Many references to members of the Rawdon family of Brandsby, including Jane Rawden ,widow.

Many references to the Wandell family of Brandsby including Sir Thomas Wandell, vicar of Brandsby. N.B. Wandell Balk is the road from Sutton to Stillington.

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 33 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 Stillington - Initials in metal on gable ends of houses

TS Thomas Salmon. On house known as Parkside, South side of Main Street, adjacent to wall of the Hall (Parkside). (Thomas Salmon lived here in 1851) House occupied by Alan Hetherington in 2007

JD John Darley. On house on South side of Main Street, between The White Bear and Bay Horse. House known as Wellington House and occupied in 2007 by John Sparrow. John Darley re-built house in 1797

WF Possibly William Farrer. On house on South side of Main Street, now known as Church View, almost opposite the church and occupied in 2007 by Iris North. (I believe William Farrer lived here in 1851)

RW Possibly Richard Wright. On Public House known until very recently as the White Dog.

NW Possibly Noah Wynn. On House known as The Manor House adjacent to White Dog. (He lived here in 1901)

JV John Varey. On Stable building at rear of Vicarage. (John Varey, vicar died 1794)

TS Thomas Salmon. On house known as Parkside, South side of Main Street, adjacent to wall of the Hall (Parkside). (Thomas Salmon lived here in 1851) House occupied by Alan Hetherington in 2007

RW Possibly Richard Wright. On Public House known until very recently as the White Dog.

NW Possibly Noah Wynn. On House known as The Manor House adjacent to White Dog. (He lived here in 1901)

JV John Varey. On Stable building at rear of Vicarage. (John Varey, vicar died 1794)

Serpents head on the Green – originally placed outside the Inn, The Roman Baths in St. Sampson’s Square, York

Famars, Main Street, Stillington. A Cruck House

St. Nichols in Church Porch

On House at Church Corner “Easingwold Rural District Council”

I believe that the number of Mills in the Stillington area to be five.

In 1086 and earlier the manor of Stillington was held by the Archbishop of York. In that year he had at Stillington ten carucates of taxable land and a mill valued at three shillings. (Doomsday Book)

In 1280 in the time of Thomas de Corbridge An extent was made of the prebend at Stillington of Master Thomas de Corbridge, prebendary since 25 June, 1280. He had there a manor house, three carcucates of land in demesne, twenty acres of meadow, two watermills a windmill and 66 bov' in service besides being a rector of the church.(See Cowling York Library). He also held a demesne manor house in Nawton with 11 bov. In demesne, and land and a meadow in Wombleton with 10 bov. In service; 2 carcucates in Langtoft let to free tenants; and a free tenant holding a messuage and 3 bov. in Coulton.

The assessment of the prebend for the taxation in 1291 was £46.13.4

The report of a visitation of Marton Priory by the Dean and Chapter of York in 1531, shortly before the Dissolution mentions the infirmary and its garden, one or more mills and that the monks kept sheep and oxen. (The Yorkshire Archaeological Journal, Vol 61, 1989, Page 71).

There is then the Abbey mill itself on the side of the Foss on the west side of the Stillington to Brandsby road opposite Abbey Farm. In the Census’ for 1841,51,61 the Gibson family was shown as Farmer, Miller. The Census for 1881 shows Wm. Gibson Miller –corn, living at the Half Moon

According to the above Journal. “Another watermill at SE 58196989, about 180m (190 yards) NW of Abbey Mill, was formerly powered by the Foss itself. It now survives as a stone strewn plough-eroded platform, approximately 11m by 20 m (12 yards by 21 yards) by 0.5 m high on the east bank of the river, with a now overgrown and partly filled in former pond cut back into the steep natural scarp of the west bank. The former existence of a mill here tends to be confirmed by the name given to the adjacent meadow in the 1647 Parliamentary Survey – Little Close betwixt the Mills Its simple position on the Foss itself without elaborate daming may indicate it to be one of the original mills given to the Abbey at its foundation since the massive earthworks of the Abbey Mill appear rather to have been planned as an integral part of the water management scheme for the fish-farm. It is possible that the construction of Abbey Mill, and the diversion to it of water which had formerly augmented the River Foss rendered the other mill unusable when river levels were exceptionally low, and that at other times its functioning depended on the manipulation of water levels on the mill- pond and the various leats by a skilful and experienced hand. This factor may account for some discrepancy in the number of mills attested at the time of the 1531 visitation and the fact that only one at Marton itself appears to be documented at the dissolution while two may be recorded in 1542. As regards the site of the windmill I note from the 1862 map of Stillington that an area of land , by then divided into two fields was called Windmill Hill. This area is on the south side of the road to Easingwold a few yards further on and opposite the village pond. See attached.

Between Marton Bridge and Stillington Mill (OS 59006880) there is yet a further Mill, described on the original one- inch OS Map of 1858 as a Corn Mill. This mill however is not shewn on Jefferies Map of 1770. That map only shows mills at Marton Abbey, Stillington and Mowsby (Moxby). Even now (2009) one can see brickwork beneath the water at the side of this corn mill and immediately to the north of the mill the banks of the Foss are artificially high, enabling a considerable head of water to be built up above the mill.

It is on land once owned by the Church Commissioners, that part was rented to the Law Family of Marton and became known as Law’s Mill (see photograph below from the estate of Charles Hutchinson).

Continuing south one arrives at the Mill at Stillington: THE WATER MILL in Mill Lane (Farlington Road) The mill is mentioned in the Doomsday Book, (1068) value 3 shillings. (see above). In 1767 the mill was occupied by David Sadler as a tenant of the Croft family. (as per Thomas Wright’s book). As he was a Juryman to the Manorial Court in 1752, it is reasonable to assume that he was the Miller then. Francis Moyser was Miller in both 1841 and 1851. He had died by 1861 and the Mill was run by his wife Elizabeth and grandson William. By 1871 William Rymer was Miller and in 1881 Tom Gibson was the Miller. The following is copied from a newspaper article in April 1962. With the departure to a larger farm at Thornton Dale of Mr. Geoffrey Shepherd, the Stillington Water Mill has now closed down. For some years the business has been carried on by Mr. Shepherd who is a grandson of the late Mr. Tom Gibson, in whose family the mill has been for the last ninety years. During the present century it was used for grinding corn for cattle feeding and up to 1900 flour was also ground. There was also machinery for making pearl wheat for the Christmas trade. A millstone recently removed by the North Riding County Council had the figure 1124 inscribed on it. The mill belonged to the Stillington Hall Estate but was bought by the Church Commissioners on the death of Matthew Liddell, Esq. (1934). The Mill House, at present in poor repair is unusual and dates back to the reign of James the First. For Many years the Mill Dam was used for trout fishing by the York Tradesmen Anglers Association.

 N.G 1805, N.G. 1807, N.G. 1811 A Ned Gibson was operating the Mill in 1946.  The Mill was renovated and turned into a residence in the early 1980’s.

Finally one reaches the priory of St. John the Apostle at Molesby (Moxby) nearly a mile further downstream from Stillington Mill. The Minister’s Account of 1535-6 at the time of the suppression mentions barns, houses dovecotes,orchards, gardens, closes pastures, meadow and “a watermill with a house”. Around that time a man called Robert Sherwin was “myller at the monasterie”. The 1647 Parliamentary Survey of the Archbishop’s Estate mentions “one undershott water Corne mill” The 1851 1st Edition of the Ordnance Survey Map clearly marks the Mill Dam., although the mill itself was not then functional.

Grahame Richardson March 2009 updated October 2012

THE White Bear and other Public Houses

Christopher Croft (1687-1737) Christopher, the third son, (born 28.10.1687),of Thomas and Frances was brought up and qualified as an attorney. He dwelt at Malton. He married (17.10.1710) Mary, second daughter of Nathanial Harrison of Malton, whose dowry was three thousand pounds. The only child of the marriage was a son named Nathanial Harrison Croft, he died aged 7 years. Christopher retired to Stillington, and lived on his estate, where he built a house, which some time later became an inn, the White Bear, and died there on 16th November 1737. When he and his wife were at variance, one day, he gave her his shirt to air, she sewed up the neck and wristband, and when he attempted to put it on, she flogged him with a horse whip; on which they parted, and she returned to Malton where she died. (Hargrove) Landlords of the White Bear 1754 William Martin* also William Moon 1781 Alexander Hutchinson# 1787 Ann Hutchinson# 1789 Elizabeth Hutchinson# 1787 Robert Thompson* but see above 1803 J. Mook# (Feb 1803) 1805 Charles Willis # 1806 Charles Willis# 1809 Mr. Elseworth# 1810/17 John Cass (witness at court case re Rev’d Oddie who was accused of drunkenness) 1819 George Thompson 1821 William Thompson (4) 1822 to 1865 Noah Wynn (1) (2) and (4) 1865 Thos Wilkinson (5) 1871 Maria Wright (2) 1872 James & John Knowles as per property transfer deed of adjacent property 1881 John Knowles (2) 1883 Francis Knowlson # 1888 to 1915 Thomas Young # (2) and (3) (owner and occupier) 1921 George Manson (occupier) Fred Manson (owner) 1929 Mr Watson Manson and wife Annie ( electoral register) 1930 to 1946 Herbert Sparrow# 1947 Harold Hardy# 1953 Peter Bradshaw# Ryan# Carr# 1960-1983 he married Doreen Manson in 1951 Swift# Bell# Sugden# (*) Assumed (1) Kelly’s Directories (2) Census (3) Bulmer (4) Cowling (5) Slater’s Directory # according to John Sparrow

John Sparrow informs me that for many years the publican also carried on the business of a Butcher. When John’s father owned the White Bear it was John’s job to deliver meat to customers on his bicycle. The butchers shop and slaughter house were situated in the buildings at the rear of the pub. There was also a small farm attached to the pub with fields adjoining South Back Lane. Grahame Richardson April 2007

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 50 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 Landlords of Public Houses (Mention made in Census’ or other documents) Bay Horse 1761 to 1767 William Moon 1823 Wm. Thompson 1834,1841, 1851,1857,1861 Thomas Wright in 1871. Maria Wright (Widow of Thomas) 1881 Clara Elizabeth Backhouse (grand daughter of Thomas and Maria Wright) 1885, 1890,1891,1901 Thomas Leaper 1903 E.G. Kerrison (occupier) Tower Brewery Co. (owner) to 1921, then Hilda Mary Kerrison through to 1929 1937 Betteridge 1964 Edward Herbert Belcher White Dog Once called for a few years the Spotted Dog (now an Indian restaurant) 1823 Matthew Wilson, died 1835 1837 Robert Sowray licence granted 9.9.1837 1840 Joseph Brittlebank 1844 James MacDonald in 1856 –known as The Commercial 1857 Richard Rowley (PO Directory 1857) 1861 Mark Knowlson 1881, 1883, 1890, 1901,1903 William Knowlson or Francis Knowlson 1905 Elizabeth Slater (occupier) F. Knowlson (owner) 1910 Elizabeth Slater (occupier) X’ors of Knowlson (owner) 1929 Fred and Ada Neesam Boot & Shoe (on the Green, near North Back Lane) 1766 to 1777 Thomas Richardson 1857 John Hodgson 1861 Thomas Hodgson (died 29.4.1866) 1867 to 1875 Jane Hodgson 1881, William Skelton Myers 1888, Arthur Everett 1901 William Jackson 1903 A.Hodgson (occupier) Alfred Jackson (owner) 1910 A. Hodgson (occupier) A.B. Everett –Brewer of Sheriff Hutton In 1911 Mr. Bennett Fox Inn (Easingwold Road) 1861 - 91 John Boggett 1901 Alexander Lunn 1903 Richard Jackson (occupier) Thos Leafe (owner) 1910 Nicholas Barker (occupier) Thos Leafe (owner) 1915 Nicholas Barker (occupier) R. Elliot (Owner) 1921 Nicholas Barker (occupier) Mrs. K Love (owner) 1929 George Robert Barker Malt Kiln, Brew house in 1729 and also referred to in 1767 Now known, part as West House and part as Garden Cottage, High Street. Described by Thomas Wright in 1767 and by house deeds as Front house and another Front house to the West. Also large Malt Kiln Brew House- Owned by William Stainforth the elder, who was son in law of the previous owner Mrs. Faceby.This was taken down in 1784 by George Stainforth son of William Stainforth. Malt kiln in 1767 (Known as “the sign of the Cross Keys) now kown as Parkside, Main Street. Described by John Wright and by property Deeds as- Dwelling house, Garth, Malt Kiln- occupied in Public Branch under sign of the Cross Keys-owned by John Sowray John Sowray died 1791. Replaced by a new house in 1796 built by Thomas Sowray.

Front House, Malt Kiln, Brewhouse and Garth in 1767. Now known as White House on High Street Owned and occupied by Thomas Young (as per Deeds)

Woodville in 1767 on the Green owned by Joseph Clark-Front house Garth and Maltkiln-as per Deeds

Doctors of Stillington 1666 Thomas Harrisson, Surgeon

1810 to 1857 William Dennis Practicing at No.6 Moss Terrace, Main Street. In 2010, it is known as the Yew House and prior to that The Laurels.

1840, 1841, 1851 and 1857 Henry Lee Practicing from opposite The Admiral’s House

1861 to 1871 Dr. Frederick Hall L.S.A.L -Practicing from Wellington house.

1874 to 1901 Dr. Farbrace Sidney Gramshaw. He lived and practiced from Wellington House on Main Street (He was born in Tettenhall, Staffordshire) See later article.

1903-1918 Herbert Vaughan Craster He also practiced from Wellington House. Some time prior to 1918 he left the village and went to Keston House, Keston, Kent.

Prior to 1908 Dr. Bullen – Hicks

1908 Dr. Charles Henry Bullen, his wife Margaret Elsie and three Children, Charles, Eric, Spencer (b1905,) Geoffrey (b 1906), Neville (b 1908), Guy (b1911), and Margaret (b 1913). They came from Staffordshire. At some stage he worked from Wellington House, which contained surgery premises. In 1913 he moved to the Admiral’s House. He served in the R.A.M.C. from 1914 to 1918, chiefly in Gallipoli and Salonika.

1929 Dr. Charles, Eric, Spencer Bullen eldest son of the above joined the practice. He married in 1935 to Stella Maria Maurer from Germany. (She died at age 84 years in May 1989). He built Pond House in 1935 from which he ran the practice until it was moved across the road in 1962. He retired in 1966. He died in 1981. NB A Dr Fitton acted as Locum circa 1954, living in Weddell’s Cottage

1966 Dr. Francis Peter Willis. He retired in 1990

1987 1st April Dr. Peter Jones

1987 Dr. Jean Toynbee retired

1990 6th December Dr. Barbara McPherson

William Oddie, Vicar of Stillington- Chancery Court 1st July 1817-23rd July 1818 Held in front of Mr. Henry John Dickens M.A. Documents held at Borthwick Institute, York University

It was alleged that the Rev’d William Oddie was guilty of habitually “drinking to excess” in his parish, during the years 1811 to 1817. It was also claimed that Oddie had sometimes been so drunk that he was unable to conduct divine service, had sometimes conducted services irreverently, and had once during a service drunk the wine which had been set aside for celebrating the sacrament. The two churchwardens John and Henry Sowray brought several witnesses who confirmed these allegations. The Court found against Oddie, condemned him in costs and suspended him for three years. The Court appointed William Thompson of Stillington (on a Bond of £500) to collect church rents and tithes pay the curate and keep the vicarage in good repair during that period. The Reverend Isaac Grayson was appointed Curate for the next three years, on a salary of £25 per annum. Oddie did not produce any witnesses in his defence. However there were a number of witnesses against him, viz: John and Henry Sowray, the two churchwardens of Stillington. John Cass, the publican of the White Bear, and a lodger John Thompson, aged 29, a carpenter stated that Oddie would arrive at the pub at around 5.00am before the household had risen, knocking on the door asking for access. He would drink spirituous liquors until he became intoxicated fall asleep and then drink more. On many occasions they had to help him home. Miss Mary Cass age 24 years, daughter of the publican made a very similar statement as her father. John Calvert a Stillington farmer, aged 58 years, who had lived in Stillington for 29 years also stated that in Jan to March 1817, he had seen Oddie drunk in Stillington. As did Thomas Brown, aged 21 a local butcher. Mrs. Sarah Robinson age 52 years, Housekeeper to Colonel Croft and wife of Joseph Robinson, servant of Colonel Croft at his house in Portman Square, London, made a similar statement. William Croft, aged 35 years, resident of Stillington for the last six years and brother of Colonel Harry Croft gave evidence against Oddie. During the years 1810 to 1815, a young vicar, William Henry Dickson was living in Stillington with his wife Mary Anne Dickson, aged 34. Between them they gave evidence that Oddie was drunk on a number of occasions whilst conducting services & that on 29th March 1812 they attended church when Oddie was so intoxicated that William Henry had had to take over the service. Also on one occasion he had drunk some of the wine set aside for Divine Service. Miss Cecilia Mary Thompson, age 19, living with her father in the house directly opposite the church (Church Farm House ??) for the last six years, said that on many occasions in January to March 1817, when she got up in the morning around 6.00a.m. she would see from her window, Oddie walking backwards and forwards, in the churchyard still in a drunken manner from the previous evening. William Thompson, Agent to Colonel Croft. Resident in Stillington for the last 6 years. He stated that he would walk to the White Bear to collect his letters that had been left by the Post on its way from York to Helmsley and on many occasions he would see Oddie in the pub in a drunken stupor. His face was black from excessive drinking and he was of the opinion that Oddie would kill himself through drink. Thompson said that like his daughter, Mary, he had seen Oddie pacing around the churchyard in a drunken manner early in the morning when Thompson was getting dressed. Buried at Stillington:- William Oddie, on 19.11.1821, aged 61. John Bent Oddie on 25.3.1821, aged 19. Edward Oddie on 8.9.1827, aged 36. Lieut 33rd Foot Grahame Richardson 2013

The Sad and Curious Case of Dr. Farbrace Sydney Gramshaw

Dr. Gramshaw, born 1848 in Tettenhall in Staffordshire, was a popular and respected Medical Practitioner. He took over Dr. Frederick Hall’s practice in about 1874 and rented Hall’s house, then known as “The Villa”, now “Wellington House”. He had married in Langport, Somerset, Mary Roseabella Poole presumably when he was in practice in Somerton, nearby, in 1871. He came to Easingwold in 1872 and Stillington, some two years later. They had five children, Cecil Henry, born Easingwold 1873, William Reginald, born Stillington, 1875, Amy Isabel, born Stillington 1878 and Hilda Mary born Stillington 1879 and Guy Rupert who was born in 1883. He had an Assistant and there were at least two further staff to help in the house and yard. He was educated at Woodbridge School, Suffolk and commenced his medical studies at University College, London, then St. Andrew’s University, Dublin and Paris. He held the following degrees- M.D. St. Andrew’s , 1896. M.D. Pennsylvania, 1871, F.R.C.S. (exam), 1903 L. and L.M. 1878. L.R.C.P.I 1885, L.A.H. Dublin, 1873. For some time he held the post of resident medical officer at the Nottingham Dispensary and from there he went to Somerton, in Somersetshire. After nine months there he came to Easingwold. Whilst at Stillington, he rode out with the York and Ainsty Hounds and was a prominent Freemason and was Past Master of the York Lodge (326). He was a member of the York Medical Society, the Yorkshire Psychology Association , The Yorkshire Naturalists Society and Field Club. He had made a number of contributions to medical literature.

I have seen a number of property deeds and wills for residents of the village who made Dr. Gramshaw their personal representative and there is little doubt but that he was held in high regard here. He also supported the village church as is evidenced by the oak chair to the left of the altar. The brass plaque on the chair has the following inscription. In Honorem Dei Hoc Sedile Dono dedit F. Sydney Gramshaw M.D. MDCCCC (In the honour of God. This seat was given by F. Sydney Gramshaw M.D. year 1900).

The following copy of a newspaper article shows that he supported local interest:- Easingwold Advertiser-12th November 1898, POSTAL TELEGRAPHS – A telegraph office will shortly be opened in this village (Stillington), to supply a long felt want of the parish and district. The successful result of an appeal made to the Postmaster General is due in great measure to the exertions of Dr. F. Sidney Gramshaw, who has been most energetic in pushing the matter forward. The other guarantors are also entitled to the gratitude of all who will benefit by this means of communication. Equally he occasionally got into “hot water” as is evidenced by this article:- Easingwold Advertiser –7th April 1900, Reported, that a local personality, Dr. Gramshaw, who was responsible for getting a telegraph office established at Stillington, appeared before the magistrates (J.S.Strangeways, H. Hawking, and H.C.Fairfax-Cholmeley). He was charged by P.C.Walker with riding a bicycle on the highway at Sutton-on-the Forest, on the 9th March, at one a.m, without having a light. Dr. Gramshaw stated that he had to leave home in haste to attend a patient, and could not find his lamp. He was fined 10s including the costs.

In 1903/4 Dr. Gramshaw left Stillington and went to York, residing at No.9 St.Leonard’s Place, then at Dunholme, Bootham.

The story unfolds In about year 2000 Mr. John Sparrow, a local farmer let me have sight of an article he had cut out of a local paper in about 1988-90, he was not certain as to when. The article read as follows:-

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 54 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 Lost Image- A retired York nurse is trying to find a photograph of her father more than 80 years after his death. Dr.Farbrace Gramshaw practised in Stillington for 30 years, then moved to Bootham, York, before killing himself with an overdose of morphine as a scandal blew up in his private life. Now a child born out of wedlock is searching for a photograph of the man she never saw. Inquiries to the medical schools in London and Dublin, where he trained, and to the Philosophical Society, of which he was a member, have proved fruitless. Dr. Gramshaw was a Past Master in the York freemasons, but his 82 year old daughter has been unable to discover whether the lodge has a photograph in its archives. If any readers have a photograph or think they could find one, please ring Mary on York 42666. A visit to York Library produced two articles in the Yorkshire Gazette and Herald of 9th and 16th May. 1908, I have tried to summarise these below. They were headed (1) on 9th May Late Dr. Gramshaw-Verdict of Death from Morphia Poisoning and (2) on 16th May -Governess’s Death…….Sensational Turn of Events at the Adjourned Inquest. Death of Doctor Gramshaw Inquest of Miss Margaret Eleanor Brown aged 19, at the Glynn Hotel, Micklegate on Sunday 26th April. (she was born at 36 Vyner Street, Bootham in August 1889. Her father, William Brown, was an Ordnance Survey Officer) At the inquest Mary Taylor of Huntington Rd. stated that in August 1907, Dr. Gramshaw took apartments at her house for Miss Brown. He said that the rooms would be wanted until the young lady had obtained a situation and she remained from the end of August to the end of September- Dr. Gramshaw visited her about every other day and remained for half an hour to an hour. He said that he came as her guardian. Charlotte Elizabeth Thomson, Matron at the Friends’ Retreat stated that on 30th September 1907, Miss Brown came to that institution as a probationer nurse on the recommendation of Dr. Gramshaw but, was found unsuitable for the post and left on 6th December 1907. The Rev. Geo.Thomas Whitehead, rector of Thornton Watlass, near Bedale, stated that Miss Brown entered into his service as governess on 8th February, on recommendations from Dr. Gramshaw. She left on 15th April to take a few days holiday, intending to return to Thornton Watlass and stay until 8th May when her engagement was to terminate. Mrs. Whitehead however received a letter from Dr. Gramshaw, dated 20th April, stating that on her arrival, Miss Brown had been taken ill and that he had advised her to keep quiet. “He thought that she would be well again in a few days”. On 20th April a further letter came from Dr. Gramshaw, stating that he had been rather too sanguine in his previous communication. Miss Brown had had a relapse and was very ill. He asked for her box to be sent to an address in Micklegate. In reply to questions he said that as far as he could remember Dr. Gramshaw recommended Miss Brown in his capacity as trustee. Before she left to go to York she had appeared to be in her usual state of health which was one of ennui. (Listlessness, weariness). Annie Wilson, housemaid in the service of the Reverend Whitehead, said that Miss Brown once fell onto her knee in the passage. Miss Brown received letters from Dr. Gramshaw nearly everyday, six mornings out of the seven. As a rule these were burnt as soon as she had read them. Miss Brown also wrote to the doctor practically every day. They were addressed c/o the York Medical Society, Low Ousegate, York. She also received parcels in the same handwriting. One morning after receiving a letter, Miss Brown said” Hurrah he is coming to meet me today”. She afterwards went to Northallerton. On the first day of the inquest on Miss Brown it had been established that Dr. Gramshaw had engaged rooms for Miss Brown and her sister at the Glynn Hotel to spend the Easter holidays. The sister did not come, but Miss Brown went on the 15th April and on Good Friday (17th April) had a miscarriage. Dr. Gramshaw attended and a nurse, Mrs.Janet Cook was procured, who subsequently left, giving as her reason that “no preparations had been made and she did not think it was a straight forward case”. It was alleged that the doctor had used certain instruments, that this he had denied, all through, contending that he merely had recourse to use a pair of forceps to which no objections could be taken. On the second day Kenneth Bruce Allan of Newcastle, a medical student ( had passed all his medical examinations except the final and had undergone a midwifery course in a hospital and had, since March last year administered anaesthetics in about 200 cases), stated that on Tuesday 14th April he came to York to

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 55 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 stay with his uncle, Dr. Gramshaw,. He knew nothing of the case until Good Friday (17th April), when he received a note from the doctor asking him to go to 80 Micklegate and take a midwifery bag and chloroform. The bag contained some instruments and an inhaler. On arrival, on instructions from the doctor, he administered the chloroform. A nurse was obtained and on her arrival Dr. Gramshaw used a pair of foreceps. He, Bruce Allan left to get a drug and on his return learned “that the case was over”. He said that he was in the sick room for about four hours and declared that the foreceps were the only instruments used. They were only used once. Nurse Cook however said that the foreceps were used several times and asked that Bruce Allan to explain the discrepancy. Bruce Allan said that he only saw them used once and that he did not know how many times the nurse saw them used after he had left. One Expert witness, Dr. Watson of Leeds, said that from the description of the fall sustained by Miss Brown, he thought that it was so trivial that it would have no effect on her condition. A Dr.Foster however considered that the starting point of the girl’s illness was the fall she sustained whilst she was at Thornton Watlass Rectory. This he thought caused the death of the child. All medical men agreed that the cause of death was acute peritonitis caused by septic poisoning . The inquest was resumed on the Tuesday morning at which point it was reported that the chief witness, Dr. Gramshaw was missing then reported seriously ill. Proceedings were adjourned for a fortnight. Apparently, Dr. Gramshaw had gone back to his residence at Bootham. During the night he had apparently injected himself in the thigh with a large does of morphine and had near at hand a bottle of laudenham. At 8.00am the maid had found the bedroom door locked from the inside and on it being forced, Dr. Gramshaw was found to be unconscious on the bed. His life hung in the balance for some time but eventually he succumbed in the early hours of Thursday morning. Dr. Gramshaw died in May, 1908 and was buried in Stillington Churchyard on 10th May, 1908, aged 54 years. Over 62 people signed the list of mourners. His headstone reads Farbrace Sidney Gramshaw MD. FRCS. He practised his profession for 36 years in this county and died 7th May 1908, aged 54 . In the hope of the Mercy of God. His widow proved the will on 21st May. He left £3333.16s. She went to live in Basingstoke with her son Guy Rupert Gramshaw, at “St.Albans” Winchester Road. Guy saying in the 1911 Census that he was a “Sea Traveller”. The question remains though. Who was “Mary” who wrote in c 1988/90 the article requesting information as to her father Farbrace Sydney Gramshaw. The child of a previous liaison?

Grahame Richardson 6.5.2013

Matter resolved :- see page 57

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 56 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 Letter from Dr. Richard Wright, of 28 Grosvenor Terrace, York, YO30 7AG Dated 30th May 2013

Dear Mr. Richardson

Thank you very much for sending me the sad tale of Dr. Gramshaw. I had heard some of this before, but not in such detail.

Mary, who was Dr. Gramshaw’s daughter, and who was given for adoption at birth, was my patient for a number of years until she died (I think in the early 1990’s). She told me the story of her father.

Mary was survived by a daughter, whom I have not seen since I retired from medical practice in 2010. She was in poor health both emotionally and physically at that stage, and I am not sure if she would be willing to discuss her mother’s history. I could approach her and find out if you are very keen to research this.

Once again thank you very much for sending me this fascinating document .

With kind regards,

Yours sincerely

Richard Wright

I replied saying that he had answered all my questions and that I would not wish to cause any embarrassment and that I had no wish to know names or anything further. Grahame Richardson 2013

Noah Wynn of Stillington

Noah Wynn (1) born 1760 was married on 20.2.1788 at St. Olave York to Jane Darley daughter of Richard Darley-she was buried at Stillington on 2.4.1844. He was buried at Stillington on 7.3.1837 age 78. He was Butler to the Croft Family for some 50 years and when Stephen Croft died in 1813 he left Noah the use, for life, of the estate house. Upon Noah’s death it reverted to Harry Croft (1775-1853).

Noah (1) and Jane had four children: Elizabeth Wynn 1st child of Noah (1) Wynn and Jane Darley was sister of Noah 2 and was born on 12th May 1789. She lived with Noah (2) and acted as his housekeeper. She died on 17th Jan, 1876 aged 86

Noah Wynn (2) 2nd child and eldest son of Noah Wynn senior and Jane Darley Noah (2) was born on 13.4.1793 (bapt 8.5.1793) at Stillington died on 10.9.1867 age 74 at Stillington . In 1839 he was Landlord of the White Bear, (1R.19P) and owned a field near Carr Lane/York Road, which is now part of Souter’s Field (3R.26P) also he rented land from the Croft Family amounting to 103A 2R 19P. Making in total 104A.3R.24P. see attached Spread Sheet. Most of the acreage was on the West side of the Foss, running South to North together with some fields immediately to the West of Jack Lane (Brandsby Road) He was a Juror of the Manor Court in 1818, Overseer of the Highways 1822/25 also years 1832/33/34, a Church Warden in 1840 at the time of the major repairs and alterations made to that building and a member of the Vestry in 1861. He never married.

Richard Wynn 3rd child and second son of Noah Wynn (1) senior and Jane. Born on 17.3.1796 Stillington and died on 14.2.1879 at Stillington age 83. Mary (Dunn) wife of Richard Wynn was born 1803 in Stillington died 19.2.1884 aged 81 at Stillington.

Jane Wynn 4th child of Noah (1) and Jane Darley. Jane died very early, after 8 months on 11 November 1801.

Next generation:

Noah Wynn (3) born 22.8.1825 Cockey, Middleton, Ainsworth, Lancashire.Bapt’d 16.5 1826 Eldest child of Richard and Mary. From 1861 to at least 1891 he was living at Marton Park Farm, farming 175 acres, also Elizabeth his wife d 11.5.1899 age 72 (born 1827), Noah (3) and Elizabeth Farrer nee Rooke were married at Marton cum Moxby10.11.1860. She was already a widow with 3 children. He died 30.1.1909 at Stillington. Age 83. He was executor of a number of estates of people within the village and owned a number of houses which on his death he passed on to his daughter Ada Jane.

Frederick Wynn second son of Richard and Mary in Parish of Campsall. (Richard was then Officer of Excise) 6.12.1831 ? born? Thomas Dunn Wynn third son of Richard and Mary Wynn born 7.4.1834 died 23.2.1901 Stillington Charles Edwin Wynn youngest son of Richard and Mary Wynn, buried at Chapel Allerton died 21.1.1843 aged 16 months Elizabeth Wynn of Horsforth daughter of Frederick and Christiana Wynn born 1865 died 3.7.1874 aged 9 at Horseforth but buried at Stillington.

Ada Jane Wynn daughter of Noah(3) and Elizabeth Wynn Born 1862 at Marton cum Moxby – died 1930 Married Thomas Christopher Horner of Riccall on 4.5.1910. On her death at Riccall on 11th July 1930 she owned 127 acres, mainly but not solely in the Carr and Ings Fields on the South side of the road running from Stillington to Easingwold. In 1934 her husband gave 1 acre of a Field of 1.320 acres (Field no.244 on Ordnance Survey Map of Stillington edition 1916) at the north of North Back Lane in her memory. He also donated a new door for the main entrance to the Church. Census 1841 Stillington-living at the White Bear Jane Wynn Independent aged 80 Born Yorkshire Noah Wynn age 45 Farmer Born Yorkshire Sarah Wynn age 45 Born Yorkshire Mary Wynn age 25 (s/b 38) Born Yorkshire Noah Wynn age 15 Born Yorkshire Richard Wynn age 3 Born Yorkshire

1841 Potternewton Leeds Richard Wynn, Officer of Excise 45 Born Yorkshire Frederick Wynn age 9 Born Yorkshire Thomas Wynn age 7 Born Yorkshire

1851 Stillington-living at White Bear Noah Wynn, Head unmarried 57 Farmer and Butcher 101 acres employing 3 men Elizabeth Wynn Sister unmarried 61 House Keeper born Husthwaite Noah Wynn Nephew unmarried 25 Butcher born Cockey Moor Christina Abell Cousin unmarried 16 Assistant in the house born Stillington John Miller Servant 19 Farm Servant born Coxwold John Snowball Servant unmarried 16 Farm Servant born Gilling Jane Stirk Servant unmarried 20 House Servant born North Dalton

1861 Stillington-living at White Bear Noah Wynn, Head unmarried 57 Farmer and Butcher 135 acres employing 2 men Elizabeth Wynn Sister unmarried 61 House Keeper Born Husthwaite Thomas D. Wynn Visitor unmarried 27 Draper Born Yorkshire, Norton Richard Slater Farm Servant unmarried 25 Farm Servant born Huby James Buck Servant unmarried 16 Farm Servant Born Sheriff Hutton Sarah Barker Servant unmarried 16 Dairy Maid Born Stillington Eleanor Salmon Servant unmarried 17 House Servant Born Stillington

1861 Marton in the Forest Noah Wynn Head married 35, Farmer employing 2 men and 2 boys Born Lancaster, Bolton Elizabeth Wynn ( Farrer nee Rooke) Wife married 35 Born Marton cum Moxby William Farrer Son in Law (step son) unmarried 12 Born Moxby Elizabeth Farrer daughter in law (step daughter) unmarried 10 Born Moxby Catherine Farrer Step Daughter age 8 Mary Vernon France visitor 19 and 3 Servants

1871 Stillington Richard Wynn Head married 75 Superannuation Officer of Inland Revenue born Stillington Mary Wynn wife married 67 wife Born Pately Bridge Elizabeth Wynn sister unmarried 80 Annuitant born Husthwaite Ann Williamson Servant unmarried 20 Domestic Servant Dalton

1881 Stillington Mary Wynn widow age 77 Born Pately Bridge Thomas Dunn Wynn Son unmarried 46 Retired Draper Born Norton Malton

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 59 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 1881 Marton cum Moxby Noah Wynn Head married 55 Farmer of 175 acres employing 2 men and 2 boys born Cockey Moor Lancashire Elizabeth Wynn Wife married 45 Born Marton cum Moxby Ada Jane Wynn daughter unmarried 19 Farmers Daughter Born Moxby Eliza Pickersgill unmarried 19 General Domestic Servant Born Wass Sydney White Bailiff 26 Born Dorset William Adams Farm Servant 14 Born Stillington George Swann Farm Servant 16 Born Cambridgeshire Robert Snowball Farm Servant 60 Born Stillington Harry Hare Grandson 7 Scholar Born Easingwold

1891 Marton Park Farm Marton Lordship Noah Wynn Head married 65 Farmer of 175 acres employing 2 men and 2 boys born Cockey Moor Lancashire Elizabeth Wynn Wife married 45 Born Marton cum Moxby She was born Rooke, married 1st Farrer then married Noah Wynn in 1860 Ada Jane Wynn daughter unmarried 19 Farmers Daughter Born Moxby William Farrer Stepson 40 Single Farm ??Born Marton Cum Moxby Catherine Farrer Step Daughter Single 38 Born Marton cum Moxby Also 3 male servants and 1 female servant

1891 Stillington Thomas Dunn Wynn Son unmarried 56 Retired Draper Born Norton Malton Also a servant

1901 Census Stillington next to White Dog Inn Noah Wynn Head widowed 75 born Cockey Moor Lancashire Lilly North Servant single 23 Born Stillington

Oath sworn by Noah Wynn (2) at York on 23rd March 1867. (abbreviated) [part of the procedure to ensure that the State was happy that Harry Croft junior( born 1825) had been drowned at sea in a storm at Balaclava in the Autumn of 1854, so that Stephen Croft his younger brother could inherit] “I am Noah Wynn of Stillington in the County of York. innkeeper do solemnly and sincerely declare that I am of the age of 72 years and upwards and that I was born at Stillington aforesaid and have resided there all my life (except for about two years before I was twenty-one year of age and during that period was only a short distance from Stillington). That I knew and was well acquainted with Harry Croft the elder late of Stillington Hall (1775-Summer of 1853) deceased and am well acquainted with Mrs. Elizabeth Croft (nee Elizabeth Charlton of Wellington Shropshire, they were married in 1822) late of Stillington Hall and now of Brighton the wife and now widow of Harry Croft the elder- that my late father was upwards of fifty years in the service of the said Harry Croft the elder and of his father Stephen Croft

Stillington Hall

By Act of Parliament in 1649 a survey was made of all the country’s property. This included the prebend of Stillington. At that time Stillington Hall was described as “a fair Hall, wainscoted (panelled) with a boarded floor, a larder. kitching etc. At this time it was occupied by Thomas Croft (1619-1654) and his wife Olive Dyneley. Vol 17 COMM/12A/17 1647-52 Lambeth Palace Library No.210.

Stillington Hall contained, on the Ground Floor, an Entrance Hall, Dining Room, Drawing Room, Library, Small Study, Billiard Room, Conservatory, Kitchens, Butler’s Pantry with Butler’s Bedroom adjoining, and Servants Hall, and on the first and second Floors eleven Bedrooms and Attics. There were large gardens, an ornamental lake, just to the east of the current entrance road to the new housing estate “Parklands” which now occupies the site. (Victoria History of the County of York) This can still be identified as the gardens at the rear of the row of bungalows on the east side of that entrance drop very steeply and the ground there is often wet. As in many country houses there was a belt of trees called “the Wilderness”, planted to screen the Hall from the village. The front of the house faced south and a Ha Ha was built some distance further away from the front of the house giving an uninterrupted view of the countryside. This Ha Ha now forms the southern edge of the new housing estate. The Hall was rebuilt in 1733 at the time of Stephen Croft (1712-1798) and Henrietta Thompson. The brick structure was rendered in 1857 when a porch and conservatory were added.

On Thursday 21st June 1888 The Hall and Stillington Estate of 2047 acres, the White Bear Inn and Water Corn Mill, plus three farms at Askham Bryan, close to the West side of York, were offered for sale by auction by Harry Croft. The Hall and most of the “lots” did not reach the reserve price and were sold later, in 1900* to Rawdon Thornton a Carding Machine Manufacturer from Cleckheaton and then in 1903* to Matthew Liddell a Mine owner from Hexham. The Liddell family took an active part in the village and being a Catholic gave money for the major repairs to the Church at Easingwold. Mr. Liddell died in 1934 and is buried at Easingwold Catholic Church. The estate was sold in 1936 and the Hall and grounds were bought by the Roman Catholic Alexian Brothers who in 1948 sold it to the Verona Brothers. On 5th October 1959* Albert Breeds, a builder from Leeds acquired it and stripped the Hall of many items. The House became derelict and was eventually demolished by Embleton Brothers of York in 1966. The chimney piece was purchased by the Reverend Henry Thorold for Marston Hall, Grantham and some joinery and fittings were purchased by Lady Caley for use at Malpas, Brompton by Sawdon. Some doors were moved to the Admiral’s House in High Street, Stillington, Parkfield . Other doors were sold to the owner of Battlefields Veterinary surgery adjacent to the bridge at Stamford Bridge and fitted into it. The Housing Estate was then built on the site. The stables and coach yard were taken over by a motor coach business, H. Morse and Sons and now the yard is a small housing site, two of the residences being part of the original coach houses.

The coat of arms that was originally over the front door of the Hall is fastened onto the North Wall of the house called Mossy Terrace “To Be rather than to Seem to Be”. I paid for this to be repainted in the correct heraldic colours in the summer of 2009. A stone plaque depicting work done by the Verona Brothers in Africa is built into the Bay Horse/Mossy Terrace garden wall. This was originally at the apex of a large 3 storey property used by the Verona Brothers as a school, within the grounds. The Green formed part of the Croft Estate. The remains of the old Pinfold were removed in 1892. An old photograph shows a timber framed house on the Eastern edge of the Green, called Cromwell House. This was built in 1630 and finally dismantled in 1920 and removed to Boston Massachusetts by a man

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 61 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 called Leslie Buswell, great grandson of Admiral Croft. The house known as Stillington Hall, is a private residence, but often used for special occasions. * North Yorks Record Office, Northallerton 2nd April 1900 Vol 111 Page 845 No. 350 - 16.10.1903 Vol 145 Page 342 No. 139 5th Oct 1959 Vol 512 Page 777 No. 278th

Stillington Hall in19 Sept 1919

Motto Esse Quam Videre- (to be, rather than to seem)

Catholic Orders in Stillington

In 1936, Stillington Hall was bought by the Roman Catholic Alexian Brothers. Some of the monks were qualified nurses and worked in the York City Hospital in Haxby Road. Whilst people of different religions did not mix at that time, the village children were welcomed into the grounds and they often found more sympathy at the Hall’s back door surgery, than from the Village MD. Father Daws, who skated and flew kites was, was a great favourite with the young lads. The double doors from Mill Lane into the walled gardens were kept locked, but callers were welcomed around the back. Brother Cerenus, a Frenchman was in charge of the garden and handed out edible treats to the youngsters, whose families in need in the village were often supported. Many Catholic Villagers went to Sunday morning Mass in the Hall and the Christmas Midnight Service was always full to capacity with generous refreshments for all afterwards. On 11th June 1947, the clerk to the Stillington Parish Council was instructed to write to the District Council asking for information regarding a Burial which had taken place in the grounds of Stillington Hall, the home of the Alexian Brothers. It was felt that this was a matter which affected the parish. Yet the District Council had at no time communicated with the Parish Council as to the suitability, etc of the site chosen for the burial ground. Could this burial have been of John Sargeant Twigge , age 74 who burial service was held in the Church on 18.10.1947. F.X.Lynch, Catholic Priest, taking the Ceremony? In the period 27.12.1941 to 18.10.1947 some 11 entries were made in the Church Burials Register of burials taking place of men resident at Stillington Hall. The Ceremony was performed by F. X. Lynch, Catholic Priest. See copy of Register with Church Wardens or at Borthwick Institute. In January 2009, Olga Midgley (nee Richardson) told me that there were a number of graves in the grounds of the Hall. If one goes into the garden at the rear of the old Coach House (now Hall Yard) and look over the hedge into the garden of the bungalow that is in Parkfield, the graves were up against the hedge in the garden of that bungalow.(This was shown to me by John Manson, who had a working garage in Hall Yard at that time). After 1948 the Hall was taken over by the Catholic Verona Fathers-some were Italian-who used the building as a Catholic Boys School and trained young men for the priesthood and for missionary work. Over 100 pupils attended at one time and the boys were regularly walked around the Roseberry. The Hall was no longer an Open House. Nuns were sometimes in residence, probably attending to cooking and domestic affairs. The numbers of students and pupils gradually fell and the Fathers moved to Mirfield in 1959/60.

Above - Taken from The Stillington Book and added to by me in italics

The Post Office and Shop

Stan and Jennifer Nesbit, have run the Post Office/Shop for over 20 years. Stan having inherited it from his mother and step father, the Barninghams. In the Autumn of 2002, Jenny and Stan announced that they would be selling the business and property as they could not see themselves continuing for the remainder of their working lives working the long hours required to make such a paltry living. Apart from this, Stan was in poor health and Jenny was having to cope with his depression and carry on the business. Villagers were increasingly getting their supplies from supermarkets in York and the “government” departments dealing with the payment of State benefits were doing everything possible to get the public to have their entitlement paid into a bank account. Such goods as Jenny and sold were small in cumulative value and the profit thereon was small. They were in effect being used as a convenience store. As Jenny (the postmistress) was paid a commission on the transactions going over her counter, she could see that her income would gradually disappear. With the Postal authorities, one day withdrawing her licence. After six months, there had not been a single offer for the business so they resolved to close down the business and sell the property. The property did have an alternative use as a domestic dwelling, albeit for one person only as it was very small indeed. At the time property in the village was fetching very high prices as generally people wished to get out of large cities and live in quiet and pleasant villages. It was at this stage that a meeting was held in the village hall to consider what could be done to retain the shop and Post Office. A committee was formed of eight people and they in turn formed an Industrial Provident Association (a type of Limited Liability company). Members of the village and surrounding area bought one £10 share each and a number of them subscribed for £500 Bonds (Debenture). At the time that I write this (17.07.2003) there are nearly 220 members and £33,500 has been lent in Bonds. A considerable act of faith. Some £125,000 alone was required to purchase the property and business and the bank was prepared to loan some £85,000 against a charge on the property. A Grant of £49,000 was obtained from the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and a smaller one of £3000 from The Countryside Agency. A huge amount of work was put into preparing a so called Business Plan . This contained Marketing Plans, 3 year Cash Flow, Income and Expenditure and Balance sheets for each of the 36 months involved). So much information indeed that I query whether any of the Government Departments receiving the information ever looked at it or whether some clerk just ticked a box certifying that information had been received. Substantial public interest was aroused with Television, Newspaper and Radio, devoting a lot of time and space to the project, all favourable. Indeed, had the application for a grant been turned down, the Department would have received a lot of adverse criticism. The committee running the company (Association) were very intelligent but none had really been involved in the cut and thrust of managing a company but were prepared to “take it on”. Having purchased the business they are now in the process of trying to run it. Principally with paid staff but also in a number of functions with volunteers. It is very difficult not to let it take over one’s life completely. Jillian, who is secretary has worked many hours almost daily and at present is getting quite a “kick” out of it. I am endeavouring not to become committed, having had 44 years in running businesses and wish to put all that behind me. I try to give Jillian advice, but not to get too involved.

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 64 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 Stan came to the village at the age of 4, to live in the White Dog, then he moved over the road to Kirkside Cottage, where he stayed until he married Jenny. In 1979 they bought the small cottage next door to convert into the Post Office and Shop. Their three children helped throughout their school years and beyond, on both the milk round and delivering on Saturday morning. Sept 2013- Ten years have now elapsed since I wrote the above notes. The Association has repaid its Bank Loan and has enough money to repay the Debentures if necessary before their due date of redemption should it be necessary. The Committee Members are beginning to change, Harry Silcock left early and after 5 years Jillian resigned and then Brenda Milburn. David Martin left this year. The surplus is running at about £12000 p.a, but it is becoming difficult to get volunteers to staff the shop on a regular basis and paid staff may shortly have to be employed.

Richard Cordukes (1793-

Richard Cordukes was born in Stillington on 24th November 1793 and Baptised the same day. He was a Plasterer by trade. He stood 5 feet 8 and a quarter inches in height, brown hair, hazel eyes and dark complexion. On 22nd April 1820 he attested at York for the 40th (2nd Somersetshire) Regiment of Foot. This Regiment was posted in 1823 to 1829 to New South Wales and served in Sydney and Van Diemans Land. They were then transferred to Bombay with the first units leaving Australia in 1828. His Service Record shows that he served in New South Wales for five and a half year and then that he served in the “East Indies” for one year and two months.He was in Vingola, near Goa in 1830 when he fell ill and was in hospital for nine weeks. On 31st January 1831following a hearing of the Regimental Board he was sent back to England and in September 1831 at Chatham he was certified as being permanently disqualified for military service, suffering from Epilepsy and Visceral Disease, the result of service in New South Wales and India. The discharge papers were finally signed on 11th October 1831. His general conduct was said to be that of a good and efficient soldier. His total service to 11th October was 11 years 173 days.

Marriage at Easingwold on 12th November 1836: Richard Cordukes of Stillington and Margaret Bell of this parish by Banns, with the consent of Charles Southeran. Witnesses: Charles Southeran and Hannah Nelson

A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 William Wright 1805-1868

William Wright was born in Stillington on 26th October 1805 and was baptised at St. Nicholas Church on 6th November of that year. He was the 8th child of John and Elizabeth (nee Clark) Wright; the father being a shoemaker. William had no skill and was a labourer. On 7th December 1825, at the age of 20 he signed on to the Army at Beverly, joining the 34th Regiment of Foot, declaring himself to be aged 18, years old. At that time he is recorded in the Army records as being 5 feet 6 and ¾ inches in height, fair complexion, brown eyes and brown hair. He enlisted for the Bounty of £4, “to serve his Majesty King George the Fourth and his successors in the 34th Regiment of Foot (Cumberland) until legally discharged”. He received the sum of ten shillings. Some 1 yr, 50 days later he was transferred on the 8th February 1827 to the 17th Regiment of Foot (Royal Anglian) based at Richmond Barracks, Dublin. However he had to report to Mullingar, West Meath, first. At that time he had 3 pairs of shoes, 2 pair of boots, 2 pair of stockings, a forage cap, 1 knapsack, and 1 fatigue jacket. He served with the 34th for 18 years and 232 days. Approximately 17 years were served abroad, 6 of which were in New South Wales and 11 in the “East Indies”. In William’s case the term East Indies would appear to include Afghanistan. Service in New South Wales, results in no comments in his record, however his service in Afghanistan was another matter. When finally discharged it was reported that “his general character had been very good and that he was in possession of Four distinguishing badges and was present at the storming and capture of Chuznu (21st to 23rd July 1839) and Khelat (13th November 1839) and has a medal for Ghuznu”. I have attached a description of the First Anglo/Afghan War to these notes. William’s service with the army abroad had taken its toll of his health and in 1847 he entered hospital at Chatham. He received his honourable discharge from active service with the Army on 20th August 1847, but staid a further 43 days at Chatham before his final discharge on 12th October, 1847. An overall service of 21 years and 301 days. He was described as being immobilised for worn out constitution and chronic rheumatism caused by long service and the effects of climate and not aggravated by vice or intemperance. His general health is a good deal impaired such he is unfit for further service. He was also described as “being unfit for Service and is likely to be permanently disqualified for Military duty”. He made his way back to Yorkshire and on 11th June 1848 he married Sarah Woodall of Selby at Selby Abbey (Ref June qtr 1848 Vol 23 Page 506) and lived close by in Millgate. In the 1851 Census, he was stated to be married, aged 45, Pensioner Chelsea, Army. Sarah was aged 40, born Selby. The 1861 Census showed them still there. He died on 18th February 1868 and is buried in the cemetery at Selby. It is not known why he settled in Selby rather than Stillington. There was a widow, Elizabeth Abbey (born 1802) born in Stillington, living a few doors away in Millgate, Selby with her son, Mark, and Thomas Abbey, her bachelor brother in law. Maybe, William knew either her or her husband when they were young in Stillington.

John Cooper was born in Stillington on 13th November 1818. He was the first of 5 children of Christopher and Sarah Cooper who lived on High Street between what is now Lees House and Sunny Bank. Christopher was a shoemaker. The house no longer exists. In 1839 it was rented from John Tinniswood . Also at the house were siblings Susan (b8.4.1821) Hannah (b2.11.1823) Thomas (b18.10.1826) and James (b31.8.1829). Christopher Cooper was a shoesmith and John was following in his father’s footsteps, when on 24th June 1839, he went to York and joined the Royal Artillery, 6th Battalion as Gunner. His record sheet gave him the Number 1716 and described him as being 5 feet 8 and a quarter inches, Complexion -Sallow, Eyes – Grey, Hair – Light Brown. His father Christopher died shortly afterwards, being buried at Stillington on 19th January, 1840, aged only 42. His mother Sarah continued to live at Stillington until she died, being buried there on 5th May, 1862, age 73 years. On 1st June 1840 He transferred to 5th Battery and shortly afterwards, on the 14th July 1840 that unit went out to Canada. At that time Canada was experiencing “growing pains” and there was some unrest. Presumably the British Government felt the need to strengthen its garrison to cope with this and constant concern over USA’s desire to acquire large swaithes of that country. Unfortunately we do not know anything of his experiences over there and he returned to England on 7th October 1844. By 31st October 1848, he had served 9 years and 129 days. On 14th July 1847 he was promoted to Bombardier and on 10th August 1848, further promoted to Corporal, a rank not used now by the Artillery. On 1st November 1848 he was transferred to 11th Battalion, with his record sheet being endorsed with the words. “ Character Exemplary”. The Battery was re-designated and served as G Battery part of the 2nd Division. In the 1851 Census he is shown as being at Chatham, Brompton Barracks, Gillingham, Kent, a corporal in the Royal Artillery. He was living with his wife, Margaret, (nee Burke) age 25, born Tipperary, Cloumch, Ireland The 2nd Division was sent out to the Crimea (1853-1856 Britain and France against the Russians) see 49 (Inkerman0 Battery/ 27 Regiment Royal Artillery and one wonders whether he lost his life out there. It is reasonable to assume that the rapid increase in number of army personnel required to conduct the war, men forming the core of the existing cadre of experienced regulars would stand the chance of a limited amount of promotion. As a Corporal with, by then, some 14 years service and an exemplary record, John Cooper could have been one of these. It was reported in the Gazette on 27th November 1855 that on the 15th November 1855 a British soldier, Rank of Colour Sergeant, by name of John Cooper was Severely Wounded as a result of “The Magazine Explosion at the French Siege Train”. (www.forces-war-records.co.uk/view record/519525). If indeed the above Colour Sergeant was John Cooper of Stillington, then he survived, as he next appears at Stillington in the 1861 Census together with his wife Margaret and daughters Minnie aged 8, born in Woolwich, Kent, (the Royal Artillery H.Q.), (Isabella) Blanche, aged 3, born in York on 8.8.1857 and Kate Ellinor (b28.8.1859), aged 1, born in Stillington. Later, Anastasia was bapt’d (5.5.1861) in Stillington. His mother, now aged 76, was living a few doors away. He described himself as “Cornet, Half Pay, Army. A Cornet is the lowest rank of Commissioned Officer. I have been unable to find any further trace of either him or Margaret or any of their children for that matter, after 1861. They could have emigrated but to where? Sources:- Army Record obtained from National Archives No. WO 69/121 C593952 and www.forces-war- records.co.uk/ Dates of Birth from York University, Borthwick, Institute Census Records

P.S. The Birth Certificate for Anastasia, records her first name as Anas-Tatia born 12.4.1861. The closest that I can get to her and him after that is Year:1880; Census Place: West Bay City, Bay, Michigan, Roll571; Family History Film: 1254571; Page 549B; Enumeration District: 022; Image;

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 68 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 0681. John Cooper, age 61, Year 1819, Birth Place, England, Home in 1880 West Bay City, Bay Michigan. White, Male, Widower, Father’s Birthplace England, Occupation Lamp Lighter. Tatia Cooper his daughter, age 19 Her mother born Ireland. Unfortunately there is no mention of the above chidren Minnie, Blanche nor Kate, but there is of Frederick, Born Michigan (age 15 mother born England) and Maud, Born Michigan (age 11 mother born in England)

The Birth Certificate for Isabella Blanche- Stated, Born 8.8.1857 at 27 Lowther St, York. Name Isabella Blanche, Father John Cooper. Wife Margaret Cooper, formerly Burke. His Occupation Cornet in the Army Registered by John Cooper on 27th August 1857

Surname First Name Army No Regiment Date Killed Memorial Parents Names 27761 9th Battalion Lancashire John and Sarah of Atkinson Frank Private Fusiliers 01-10-16 Contay France Marton Bridge

2/4 Battalion Duke of 34926 Wellington's West Vis-en-Artois Memorial, William and Priscilla Borwell George Private Riding Regiment 12-09-18 Pas de Calais of Sheriff Hutton

James and Hannah, 8391 The Green, Burks Fred Sergeant Yorkshire Regiment 06-05-18 Tyne Cot Stillington

James and 80718 Vermelles, British Charlotte, Sutton on Cooper John Gunner Royal Field Artillery 02-02-16 Cemetery Forest

4187 then 21473 Lce Northumberland Cutler George Cpl Fusiliers 08-05-15 Menin Gate William and Sarah

Eliza Dight his Private Widow Ruth and Dight Reginald 124218 Machine Gun Corps 26-03-18 Arras Memorial son Hugh

Private Stillington Old Tom and Annie, The Gibson Robert H. 4282 Yorkshire Dragoons 27-10-18 Churchyard Ref 159 Mill

Private Hammond William 101632 2/4 Battalion KOYLI 10-03-17 Thiepval Memorial Annie on The Green

Private Hobson Arthur 27871 7th Battalion Yorks Regt 24-05-17 Arras Memorial Daniel and Margaret

Corporal Robert and Ruth Kay William 23879 9th Batt KOYLI 22-03-18 Poziers Memorial Kay

4th Battalion West Private Yorks (Prince of Wales Stillington Old Tom and Eliza West North Arthur 19733 Own) 02-06-16 Churchyard ref 100 end Stillington

Ballieul Cemetery Thoma and Sergeant Airline Section, Royal Communal extension Elizabeth, Kirkside Scaife Thomas J 27041 Engineers 18-08-16 Nord. Cottage

Private Thomas and Mary Sowray William 42614 12 Battalion W.Yorks 26-09-17 Tyne Cot Ellen, The Green

Joseph Barker Private 18th Batt Manchester Stubbs of The Stubbs Alfred N. 44184 Regt 12-10-16 Thiepval Green

John and Mary Private 1st/4th Battalion Yorks Tyne Cott and Stillington Elizabeth, Ashfield Thompson Harry 32596 and Lancs 04-10-17 Old Churchyard ref 117 Cottage

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 70 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 Residents of Stillington who served in WW2

Christian Dates Surname Name Rank Regiment Served Where Served Medals JGSM -Long Tidworth,Aldershot,York, Service, 39/45 Star. Egypt,India, France, West N. Africa Star, Italian Africa, East Africa, Star,N. Africa Star, Burma, Leychelles, Italian Star,Atlantic Squadron 15/19th King's Ceylon, South Africa, Star, Burma Star, Anderson Arthur Sgt. Major Royal Hussars 1936- North Africa Victory Medal Royal Armoured Corps, 5th Training Regt., 7th Queen's Own Hussars, 7th Army Brigade, RALF 1942-43, Star 39-45, Italy Star, Robert MEF 1943, CMF Defence Medal, Barningham Daykin Corporal 1943-45 1941- Home and Overseas;- Victory Medal Barningham Simon Driver RASC 1942- Discharged after illness Royal Marines 5th R.M Batt, 1st R.M. Batt, 45 R.M. Commando. HMS 814 Flott. D.S.M. June 1944 CCVP, Harbour 39/45 Star, France- Marine Patrol, Germany Defence Barningham Tom Coxwaian Southampton 1939- Dakar W.Africa, France Medal

Bullen R. Guy Captain Royal Artillery A.A. Felixstowe Executive Engineer, Public Works Dept. Edward Federated Shan States. Bullen Geoffrey 1939- Burma Star 39/45

Leicester. School Corps of Signals, Catterick- No1 Star 39-45. France Continental Group, ATS,. Germany Star, Bulmer Olive Alice Corporal A.T.S 1942- Belgium, Germany Victory Medal 1st Batt KOYLI 34-35, Star 39/45,Burma Gibralter 35/36 Burma Star 41/43, Defence Burks Francis Private K.O.Y.L.I 1943- 36/43 Medal,

Home with West Yorkshire Regt, O/Seas Palestine 39-40,Abysinnia Wounded - James Acting Durham Light 40/41 Egypt 41/42. Abysinnia. Killed in Burks Wilfred Sergeant Infantry 1939- Tunisia and Sicily 42/43 Sicily 943 Star 39/45 Africa Star with 1st Army Railway Construction Co. Corps, Italian Star, Algeria 42/43, Italy 43/45. Defence Star, Victory Burnett Frank Sapper Royal Engineers 1942- Austria 45/46 Star Star 39-45,African 33rd LaaRegt,Mobile Star with 8th Army South Coast. Egypt,Lybia clasp, Italy 42/43. Dodecanese Star,Defence Medal, Burnett George Gunner Royal Artillery 1940- Islands 43. Italy 44/43 Victory Medal Campaign Star 39- Duke of 45, Italy William Wellington's, Star,Defence Medal, Burnett Henry Private West Yorks 1943- Home and Italy Victory Medal

Lance S.E. Command and Burnett Harry Corporal Corps M.P 1942- Eastern Command Defence and Victory France 1940, Libya, Star 39/45. Africa Egypt, Palestine, Star, France Edwin Syria41/44, Normandy 44, Germany Star. Catton Lawrence Driver RASC 1939- Germany 45 Victory Medal

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 71 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 Wilfred Home, France,Middle 1939 Star, Italy Star, Catton Arthur Sapper Royal Engineers 1939-46 East, Sicily, Italy Victory Medal North Africa Star, 1st Army Clasp, Italian Star 39/42 Star, Home 40/41, North Africa, Defence Medal, Cole Arthur Gunner R.A 1940- Italy 42/45 Victory Medal. 39/45 Star,France and Germany Star, Richard Defense Medal, Corbett Spencer Corporal RAF 1939- France 44/45, Norway 45 Victory Medal Balloon Plymouth, Hull, Surrey, Davill Leonard LAC Command 1940- Kent Pembroke 2. HMS Drake Lilian Leading 2, HMS Bristol, HMS Defence Medal, Davies Maud Wren WRNS 1941- Drake Victory Medal Denton Arthur Royal Engineers Denton Frank R.A.F Parachute Robert Regiment, 6th Foster Abell Corporal Airborne 1945- Defence and Victory 2nd Batt Royal Scots,1st British Infantry Div.. Gibralter 1943, Italy 39/45 Star, Italy Star, Robert 44/45, Egypt 45, Defence Medal, Gibson Eric Private Royal Scots 1940- Palestine 45/46 Victory Medal Royal Scots, 38th Tank Regt,1st Northamptons, 39/45 Star,Defence Gospel Lancelot Private Northamptons 1940- Burma 43,45 Medal, Burma Star Yorkshire Home 39, Palestine Africa Star, Defense, William Farrier Hussars, 40/42, Egypt Victory,Territorial Gospel Reginald Sergeant RAC,BMME 1939- 42/44,Ethiopia 44/45 Long Service, A Co. Sth Wilts Grp,HQ Hope Margaret L/Cpl ATS 1945- Sthn Command Horner Arthur Driver RASC 1944- India 1945, China 1946 39/45 Star,Defence Home 41/44, Medal, Victory, Frnace,Belgium,Holland, France and Germany Horner Fred C/pl RAF 1941- Germany 44/46 Star 39/45 Star, Defence, Duke of Victory, Burma Star. Wellington's, Home, Malta 35/38,India Died of Malaria Horner John Corporal West Yorks 1934- 38/42,Burma 42/43 13/6/43 18th Field Park Co. RE, 4th Br. Div. Algeria/Tunisia 39/45 Star,Africa 43,Egypt,44 Italy 44, Star 1st Army Italy Hugill Cecil Sapper Royal Engineers 1940- Greece 45 Star, Defence,Victory Edna Hugill Mary LACW WAAF 1942- Flying Training Cmd Defense, Victory Canterbury, Aldershot, France/Germany. Catterick. BAOR, Egypt, Palestine,Africa 8th King's Royal Palestine, Libya, Cyprus, Star,8th Army Huggan Leslie Trooper Irish Hussars 1926- France,Holland, Belgium Defence,Victory RAF, Royal Skegnes, Lincoln, Welsh Fus,Yorks Bedford, Catterick, 39/45 Star, Burma Charles and Lancs, West Londonderry N.I., India, Star,Defense,39/45 Hutchinson Edward L/Cpl Yorks, R.Signals 1944- Burma Star HMS Ganges,Shotley,and Highnam Court. HMS 39/45 Star, Atlantic John Victory, Portsmouth. Star. Killed in Battle Hutchinson Leslie Stoker Royal Navy 1940- Overseas HMS Kashmir of Crete 39/45 Star,North Africa Star, Victory Killed Cyprus Johnson Arthur Private West Yorks 1939- Cyprus 1942 11.3.1942

Johnson Doreen Private ATS 1943- Central Sthn Dist, Victory

HMS Erin,Dauntlass,Delhi, Rodney,Royal Oak. 1914/18 Overseas China, Nth Medal,Palestine America, West 39/45, Indies,Mediterranean, Atlantic,France and Chief Russia, Palestine,N. Germany Star. Nth Petty Africa,Italy,D.Day Africa, and Star. Oak Johnson Ernest Officer Royal Navy 1918- Normanby Leaf

Kay Noel RAF 866th and 791st 39/45 Star, and873rd Cos RE, France/Gemany George France,Belgium, Holland, Star. Defense, Lambert Alfred Sapper Royal Engineers 1943- Germany Victory. Fighter Command in England and NI, Glider and Para Regt. Sierra Leone, Gold Coast,Br. John W.Africa 42/42. N.Africa, 39/45 Star, Lambert Richard Sergeant RAF 1938- Tunisia 43 Defence,Victory Home 36/38 Overseas in Edward HMT Dunera to Averill Marwood Sergeant RAF 1936- Singapore Died 22/6/1944 No1 M.T. School TR. Command,Mobile Air Disarmament,2nd TacticalAir Force,Coastal Command. Iceland 43/44, France, Belgium,Holland,Germany France and Germany Metcalfe Geoffrey L/Cpl RAF 1942- 45/46 Star, Defence Sherburn in Elmet,Beaulieu. RAF James Eastleigh Nairobi, East Metcalfe Sydney L.A.C R.A.F 1944- Africa 1946-47 War Medal E.Yorks Defence 1940,London 1940, Palestine, Syria, 1941, 39/45 Star, Africa Lybia, Tripolitania Star and John 1942,Iraq,Persia 43/44, Rosette,Defence, Moreland Horatio Sergeant RAF 1938- Egypt 44/45 Victory 149 Squadron, 3 Group,Bomber Command. 13 operations to Germany including 39/45 Star,France W/O 1000 Bomber Raid to and Germany Star, Moreland C. Leslie Airgunner RAF 1943- Dortmund 12.3.43 Defence, Victory. Home 4th and 30th Division, France, Belgium 39/45 William, 39/40,Brazil, South Africa, Star,Defence,Victory, Moorfoot Henry Corporal RASC 1939- India 1942 Burma Star Green Howards Home 42/43, North Africa Charles RASC, Loyals 43/44, Italy 44/45,Austria 39/45 Star, Italy Moorfoot Edward Private Hampshire 1942- 45/46 Star,Defence, Victory Palestine Medal, N.Africa Star,Burma Star, Defence, Victory, France and Germany Star. Leading Nelson Arthur Seaman Royal Navy 1939- Minesweeper

Arthur 733 Pack Transport,Italy Italian Star, Defense North Bernard Driver RASC 1943- 44/46 Medal 13 A.A. Workshops,REME,13 Vehicle Co. RAOC. 39/45 Star,France Harold France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany Star, North James Private RAOC 1942- Germany Defence, Victory. Ireland 44, Kirkby Lonsdale 45, Halifax 45, Albert Italy 45, Greece 45/47 39/45 Star, Italy North William Driver Royal Engineers 1944- Egypt 47 Star,Defence, Victory Home No 10 Squadron, 29 Operational Flights over enemy territory Alfred Pilot Germany and Pilsen, 39/45 Star, Defense, Petty Herbert Officer RAF 1942- Czechesloviakia Victory. Killed 1943 Africa Star and Clasp, Defense, Victory,Italy Star Royal Tank Corps, Royal Wounded in Greece. Royal Tank West Kents, North Africa Died in Hospital Pratt Leslie Private Corps 1939- 41,Greece 44, 1943 2nd Line Transport, London Defence. France 39/45 Star, Burma Charles 40, India and Burma Star, Defence and Scaife Reginald Driver RASC 1940- 41/45 Victory 39/45 Star, Africa George Home 42/44, Overseas Star, Defense and Scaife Edward Craftsman REME 1939- 39/42. Victory 39/45 Star, Atlantic George Meditteranean 44, Italy Star, Victory, Scaife Frederick A/Seaman Royal Navy 1944- 46/47 Defence Duke of Wellington's 2nd 39/45 Star,Burma Robert Batt Green Home, Coastal Defence. Star, Defence and Scaife William L/Cpl Howards 1940- Overseas Burma Victory 1939/45 Star,Africa Palestine,Cyprus,Syria, Star and Clasp. Egypt, Libya, 40/43, France and Germany Yorkshire France and Germany Star, Defense Medal, Scaife Harold Trooper Hussars, 1939- 44/45 Territorial Medal Home E.Yorks and the Yorks and Lancs. 922 Coy. RASC Overseas Egypt, 42/44, Africa Star, Defence Scaife Norman Corporal GT 1940- Lybia 44/46 and Victory Home, RAOC, REME, No 2 Command, Overseas 39/45 Star,France No 4 Commando Brigade, and Germany Star, George Staff France, Belgium, Holland, Defence and Victory Scurr Thomas Sergeant REME 1939- Germany 44/45 Medals Home Leading Douglas Aircraftsman, Overseas, France and Germany Sell Jeffrey L/Cpl RAF 1940- France, Holland Germany Star, Victory Medal Bombing operations DFM, Victory. Failed Wireless France, Germany, to Return from Sell Horace Operator RAF 1939- Norway. Norway 39/45 Star, African Home 348 Tipper Co. 510 Star (8th Army Motor Coach Co. Clasp) . Italy Star. Overseas Tunisia 43, Italy Shrapnel Wound Simpson Harry L/Cpl RASC 1940- 43/44, Italy

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 74 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 Home 116 Field Regt. 169 Field Regt., Overseas 121 Field Regt. RA 8th 39/45 Star,Africa Army, Libya, Tunisia Star with 8th Army Donovan 42/43, Sicily 43, Italy Clasp, Defence and Smith Brand Captain Royal Artillery 1941- 43/45, Austria 54/46 Victory Home RAF M.t, Overseas South Africa, Egypt, Souter Raymond Corporal RAF 1942- Cyrenaica, Palestine Fleet Air Arm HMS Atlantic Star, Douglas Able Raven, Glendower, Defence and Victory Sparrow H. Seaman Fleet Air Arm 1943- Battler (Aircraft Carrier) Medals 1st Battalion Irish Guards, Smith Stanley Corporal Irish Guards 1940- 24th Independent Brigade 1st Batt Duke of Wellington's Coastal Herbert Duke of Guard. Overseas Burma Burma Star, Defence Thompson Ronald Private Wellington's 1940- 42/43, Burma 43/44 and Victory Medals 67th Chemical Warfare, RE, 58th Mechanical 58th Mechanical Equipment RE. Overseas Ronald Equipment, Royal Arakan , India 42, Burma 39/45 Star, Burma Taylor Walter Sapper Engineers 1940- 42/45 Star, Defence Medal Home 64th Regt RG 39/45 Star,African HOA, Overseas N.Africa Star,Italy Star,France 41,Italy Dalmatia 42, and Germany France Belgium Star,Defence and Thompson Charles Gunner Royal Artillery 1940- 44,Germany, Holland Victory Medals HMS Pembroke, HMS Toase Margaret Wren WRNS 1942- Gosling 1and 111 39/45 Star, France 9th Field Training Regt. and Germany Overseas France, France StarWounded in foot, Whitwell John Gunner Royal Artillery 1939- and Germany 44/45 Dunkirk 233rd Field Co. RE, 50th Div. France, Belgium 39/40,Dunkirk, Persia, Mentioned in Cyprus, Iraq,Syria 41/42 Despatches 1940, 3yrs POW in Italy and 39/45 Star, Africa Wood Cecil Sapper Royal Engineers 1939- Germany Star, Victory Medal

CIVIL DEFENSE Red Cross Bullen Margaret Voluntary Aid Red Cross Abbey Hilda Voluntary Aid

M. Red Cross Smith Kathleen Voluntary Aid

Police War Manson Watson Reserve

Jacques Sarah Women's Land Army

Air Raid Hutchinson John B. Wardens Metcalfe Sydney Air Raid Wardens Rev, Herbert Smith W. Air Raid Wardens Wood Richard C. Air Raid Wardens

Special Atkinson Robert Constables Special Manson George Constables Special North Arthur Constables Scaife Arthur Special

National Fire Wounded in York Air North Gilbert Service Raid

Home Guard Atkinson Frank Home Guard Barker Arthur Home Guard Betteridge Frank Home Guard Borwell Charles Home Guard Bullen Dr. Eric Home Guard Burnett Eustace Home Guard Coates Raymond Home Guard Coldbeck John Home Guard Church Edward Home Guard Green James Home Guard Hardy Yates Home Guard Hope Edward L. Home Guard Howland Frank Home Guard Howland William Home Guard Hugill William Home Guard Jackson Charles Home Guard Jackson Laurence Home Guard Kay Colin Home Guard Kerrison H. Leslie Home Guard Kitson Fred Home Guard Manson Harry Home Guard Mc.Dermott John Home Guard Morse Hugh Home Guard Moore Shallum Home Guard Moore Fred Home Guard Nichol John Home Guard Otterburn Henry Home Guard Petty Herbert Home Guard Rawlings Ernest Home Guard Redshaw Ernest Home Guard Redshaw Allan Home Guard Richardson Algerson Home Guard Russell H. Charles Home Guard Sanderson Fred Home Guard Scurr Ernest Home Guard Scaife John Home Guard Simpson William Home Guard Souter Robert. W Home Guard Underwood Herbert C. Home Guard Warren Charles Home Guard Whitwell Fred Home Guard Whitwell Henry Home Guard Wood Norman Home Guard Wood Richard W. Home Guard Wyrill Thomas B. Home Guard

Scaife John Thomas Bevan Boy

Details Unknown Kerrison Roger Maw William Mothersdale Norman Upstill William West Yorks

A “Peculiar” Parish

History of Stillington

One or two articles from my Records prior to 1990

Enclosed are a few pages of the records that I have collated over many years.

In most cases (but not all) the enclosed was taken from a Cash Book loaned to me by Audrey and William Shepherd in the Spring of 2004. This Cash Book was written up about once a year and listed the expenses incurred by various Officers of the village for the preceding 12 months. It covered the period 1753-1773. Bill’s ancestors were the Wood and the Hall families. Over the years they filled most of the Roles mentioned below and I assume that that is how the Cash Book came into their possession. A much later Cash Book has been deposited at Northallerton Record Office covering the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. I have tried to use the same spelling as was used in the Cash Book, which in many instances was “as spoken”. Some of the research was as a result of visits to York Minster Library, the Borthwick Institute (Vestry Book and Pains Book) and The North Yorkshire Record Office at Northallerton.

Stillington Prebendal Peculiar Court

Stillington Manor Court Survey Rules 1659

Stillington Court Leet

Vestry

Church Wardens

Overseers of the Highway

Overseers of the Poor

The Village Constable

Because of their size, I have written separately on the Church, Methodism in Stillington, Religion in Stillington, John Hall (1751-1840) and the Croft Family and the History of occupancy of about fifty houses from around 1700 to present time. In addition I have collated a considerable amount of other information about the village going back to Roman times

Grahame Richardson – 18 March 2013

Pages 77 to 96 of this Volume are covered in slightly more detail in Volume 2

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 77 Stillington Prebendal Peculiar Court A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 CHURCH Court – This ecclesiastical court dealt with maintaining spiritual discipline in the village

It was here also that one could prove parishioners’ wills without having to go to York to do so. The Stillington Parochial Parish also covered Wombleton and Nawton, and one can see the wills and the inventories of the assets of the deceased from all three villages at the Borthwick Institute at York University. These go back to 1515. These are attested true, by three elders of the village.

Possibly the event which has caused most interest and shows the then power of the church is that of Jane Harbottle. I give below an extract from the book “Laurence Sterne. The Early and Middle Years” by Arthur H. Cash printed by Methuen, followed by my own detailed research

“Spiritual jurisdiction was invested in Stillington Prebendal Peculiar Court, a tiny ecclesiastical court. There are no records of Stillington visitations for the first six years of Sterne’s incumbency. The Prebendary, Mr. Levett, probably never came in person. Then for two years after Levett’s death, the prebend was traded about among wealthy churchmen. Later records suggest that during these years Sterne and his neighbour, the Rev Richard Moseley of Wiggington, presided. James Worsley, rector of Stonegrave, who became the prebendary (of Stillington) in 1750, was a man who took his clerical duties seriously. He usually visited personally, and he faithfully turned over his records to the dean and chapter, as he was supposed to. These loose papers are the only records of the court. One is impressed with Worsley because, although he came from a powerful family, he seems never to have used the church for selfish purposes. On 8th August 1755 when Sterne presided, William Johnson and Jane Nelson were presented for “the Crime of fornication together, they since being married”. Their penance is signed by Sterne. (Minster Library C1/89. C3)

One case is of particular interest, the trial of Jane Harbottle, a poor woman, probably the village idiot (first discovered by CURTIS, 47-48, with the exception of the Jury Book, the documents used by Cash are at the Minster Library: BB 23, and the Dean and Chapter Abstract Book, 1739-1774, the latter of which is at the Borthwick. Ref Records of Peculiar Jurisdictions D/C. Abs. Bk 1681-1854). We know something about her from the parish registers. In 1744 Sterne baptised “Tamar, the Bastard Child of Jane Harbottle” Tamar was buried on 15th June 1745. In 1749 it was Johnathan, bastard Child of Jane Harbottle & Ths Wood born – Feb 23” This ill-starred infant was buried in August 1751. In 1752 was born “Esther Bastard Child of Jane Harbottle” The father of this last child was alleged to be Robert Jepson, one of the leading yeoman farmers of the village, married and the father of a considerable family. The situation could no longer be tolerated, and the next year the churchwardens presented both Jane and Jepson, as follows: July ye 3 1753 No more presentments but these as follows: “We Hereby present Robert Jepson married man for the Crime of adultery by begetting a Bastard Child upon Jane Harbottle and we accordingly present the said Jane Harbottle for the Crime of Fornycation. The Said Jane Harbotle has had three

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 78 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 bastards and all by mared men.” (as will be seen later there was to be a fourth, Margaret Harbottell)

Jane pleaded guilty before Mr. Worsley. She was sent to York to pay her fine and to pick up a printed penance. The sheet survives with Sterne’s certification on it that Jane did her penance, bare – headed, bare – footed, white sheet, wand and all, on 8 September. “Whereas I Good people forgetting my Duty to Almighty God, have committed the Detestable Sin of Fornication with Robert Jepson a Mary’d Man’ etc”.

An entry in the Jury Book of the following spring shows that the parish set aside £5.1s.0d for the use of Robert Jibson Childe by botil…. Per week 7 pence. Obviously the parish officers had not prevailed upon Jepson to support the child. He was cited to specifically to appear at the next visitation. Sterne read the process in church on 21 July 1754; and Ben Camsell, a church warden swore an affidavit, witnessed by Sterne, that he had personally served the citation on Jepson. Because Mr. Worsley could not get to the visitation, held the next day, Sterne presided. Jepson failed to appear, and there was nothing to do but to excommunicate him. A full year was allowed to pass before Mr. Worsley sent an order to complete the excommunication. Jepson was denounced in Stillington Church, as Sterne’s note attests, on 31st August 1755.

Someone perhaps Sterne or Worsley or both, seems to have urged Jepson to make a defence, but he did nothing before his accuser died. Jane Harbottle, “Spinster” died at Stillington in September 1758, leaving her two surviving children on the parish. On 14 February 1760, Jepson finally acted: his lawyer appeared before Mr. Stables of the superior spiritual court of the dean and chapter and alleg’d that his client was not Guilty of the Crime of Adultery for which he stood presented in the said prebendal Court and desired him to be Dismiss’d & referred to Law which the Commissary Decreed”. Jepson was received back into the parish. In 1760 he was elected to the Jury and by 1762 he was elected overseer of the poor. It is unthinkable that he could have won these honours without the support of the church. Probably it had been apparent to all that he was not guilty of fathering Jane Harbottle’s bastard.

Jane herself had been treated kindly by the whole community. She had not been haled into the spiritual church until her third child. Once accused she was given every consideration. On that day in 1753 when she walked into York to get her penance, she carried in her pocket a note from Sterne to the registrar: which read,

Mr. Clough The bearer is the poor woman who was presented at Stillington Visitation; and has left her child to go and get these said Penances, which I & Mr..Moseley talked so much about. She is as poor as a Church Mouse & cannot absolutely raise a Shilling to save her Life. So pray let her have the Penance – and so far as the Stamps, I will take care to discharge – If not above 3 or 4 Shillings.- Yrs L. Sterne PS, Pray dispatch her, that she may not have a 2d Journey as she has a Child to leave ------

The church could be merciful. At the bottom of the presentation is a note in Mr. Clough’s hand: “On Mr. Sterne certifying her poverty she only paid 4d for the penance, which was retd with a Certificate in due performance.” Notes added by Grahame Richardson:-

I hold a photocopy of the Poor Accounts for 1755 and later years showing monthly payments to “Jane bottle” of 2s 4d ( 28 pence). Indeed payments to a Margret HarBottell were being made through to 1763 when the Overseers of the Poor fitted her out completely with a full “wardrobe” of clothes and paid for her to be Indentured. More detail can be seen in my article on “Overseers of the Poor”

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 80 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 Stillington Manor. The Court of Survey of Olive Croft Widow, Lord of the Manor of Stillington held at Stillington aforesaid for the said Manor, the 29th day of April in the year of our Lord 1659 before Thomas Thompson, Gentleman Steward of the Court. Copied by John Hall of Stillington around 1770. The original is held by The Borthwick Institute of York University

Jurors:

Thomas Waite, Gentleman ) William Mosoy ) George Bell ) William Faceby, Gentleman ) Sworn James Linton )Sworn Christopher Holgate )Sworn Thomas Bland ) William Jackson) John Johnson ) Wm Cobb ) Robert Wiley ) William Young ) Robert Cobb ) Articles exhibited to the Jurors aforesaid To be enquired of as follows:

1) First what are the ancient customs of the Manor concerning the Copyhold Lands and how must it be surrendered. In answer to the first article they say that Copyhold Lands within the Manor may by custom be surrendered into the hands of two Copyholders out of Court or to the Steward in the Court. 2) How long may surrenders rest in the hands of the Copyholders before they must be presented into court (presumably to be registered) In answer to the second they say that surrenders may by custom within this Manor be kept in the hands of the Copyholders to whom the same is made until the third court next after the making such surrenders when the same is to be presented into court. Otherwise the same surrender shall be void and the said Copyholders shall be in breach of the custom and liable to be fined or forfeit their copyholds. 3) How long may the Copyhold lands be left without surrender and what fines are to be paid to the Lord upon every surrender or change of Tenant. In answer to the third they say that Copyholders within this manor, Demise and let their Lands to farm by parole without surrender for three years without paying any fine to the Lord. For such Leases and for all leases made for twenty one years and for life a whole fine and for all leases by surrender for less terms than twenty one years, they are by custom to pay half fine to the Lord for the same and (for) every messuage with the croft anciently and time out of mind belonging thereto, pay to the Lord eight shillings, for a whole fine and every cottage within the croft, anciently and time out of mind, belonging there unto pays to the Lord for a whole fine five shillings and every Exchange of land pays for a whole fine four shillings and four pence and every acre of land four pence and so proportionately for every lesser parcel of land upon every surrender for twenty one years or for life or in fee. And so upon every dying person seized of any tenant, his heirs to pay such fine as aforesaid and upon every exchange of houses and lands made by surrender such fine as aforesaid and upon every exchange of houses and lands made by surrender. Such fine as aforesaid is to be paid to the Lord of the Manor and upon default of payment after convenient notice and time given for payment thereof the said lands may be seized and forfeited to the Lord. 4) Whether Lands may be entailed or not In answer to the fourth, they say that copyhold lands were for as long as could be recalled, within this Manor, limited to the heirs of the body, yet are not entailed by custom of the manor, for we have searched the Court Rolls of the said manor and do not find accounts in nature of foremedons (the forementioned?) in desender revertor. Or remainder brought for estates so limited nor any judgements in nature of common recoveries to bar them through real actions in nature of Assizes Assiz of morldausester at common law or in vita and of Right appear by the rolls to be often brought in old time at the Courts held for the said Manor for Trial of Tithes. And we also find by the Rolls dyvers Estate so limited with remainders over to strangers or a third person yet granted by surrender and so enjoyed for anything appearing in the Rolls to the contrary. Yet we find that at the court held the fifteenth day of October in the twenty first year of King James, George Staveley made a lease by indenture for twentyone years to George Houseman Clerk of some crofts and Robert Eagle did the like of a messuage and croft to George Staveley to forfeit the same to bare estates limited to the heirs of the body supposing them to be entailed as we are informed and the court held the seventh day of October in the twentyfirst year of King James 1624, Staveleys lands are accordingly granted to Mr. Houseman and Eagles messuage to Staveley, which forfeitures made by making leases appearing in the Rolls and some more leases by indenture appear to be made since time yet we conceive being of so late time such estates are still conditional Feos (trusts)and before the statute of Westminster the second do donis conditionallibus and may by custom be barred by surrender at this day. 5) What fees are to be paid (for) Searches of the Rolls. What fees for copies of surrenders and what (fees) for Assigns, summons, plaints and entering of Judgements and for examining of women covort. (married women) To the fifth they say that the fees for searching the Rolls on Court days, is one shilling (payable) to the steward and one shilling to the jurors and when no court is held the stewards fee is two shillings and sixpence and the jurors fee is two shillings and sixpence and the steward's fee for copies of surrenders is one shilling and fourpence for assigns, one penny for plaints entry, two pence for giving summons, one penny for entering of judgements four pence, for examining women covert (married women) two shillings and sixpence and for admitting tenant fourpence and to the Baliff two pence

CIVIL COURT of Stillington

CIVIL Court - in the 1600’s the village was governed, not by a vestry, but by a "jury", of twelve men who, originally, once elected, held their posts for life - a system left over from the old manorial courts. The Lord of the Manor was their president, but delegated his powers to his Steward, in later years a local solicitor. These jurymen recorded all decisions in a quaint "Book”, full of orders for cleaning the gripes and ditches, for the care of the poor, the division of labour in repairing bridges and gutters, and the allotment of tasks in the open fields. This so I believe is what is held at the Borthwick Institute and is called the Pains Book. The members had to agree, subject to a fine, not to swear an oath in the jury room and to keep all matters confidential. They were fined for non-attendance or if they were ten minutes late.

The Manorial Court of Stillington was a court leet, and as such appointed a constable for the township. Not all those chosen were willing to serve and in such cases Quarter Sessions had to use compulsion. Thus at Thirsk in April 1649, the justices had before them the case of William Williamson of Stillington, who had been chosen as constable by the jury at the last court leet there, but had not yet been sworn in. They ordered that he should be sworn within ten days on pain of forfeit of £10.(1). (1) NRQS Vol v p.29. I have written at greater length about the Constable and his duties later in this book.

The Jury had Articles setting out the rules relating to property, (both land and buildings) within the village which it had to ensure were maintained. At the end of the year the constable had to swear that these rules had been kept. (see below). These rules were copied out in 1624 and again in 1659 (these are listed later in this book) we therefore know that the Court was operating back in that time. Fines (Pains) were levied on those residents who did not adhere to these rules. (Pains Land 1732-1925 at Borthwick Ref Ware 2/12)

The Court Audited the Accounts of the Village Officials, such as, The Constable, Church Wardens, Overseers of the Poor and Overseers of the Highways. They took the cash in hand from those officials at the end of their service and handed it to the incoming official. Where the official was out of pocket they reimbursed him. It had been the responsibility of that official to work out a “Cess” (tax) to be levied on the residents of the village for his function, so he should not have been to far “out of balance”.

The Civil Court did record, separately its dealings with Property matters insofar as they related to Leasehold/Copy Hold Tenancies within Stillington Manor. These property transfers were recorded in large bound ledgers. The ledgers covering the years from 1712 to 1935 are kept at the Borthwick Institute, York University. A copy of the deed was given to the new “owner”.(Ref Ware 2/1 to2/12). I have copied a number of these, (see Pear Tree Cottage and John Russell Cottage files).

Note On 28th November 1767 A Record was made in the “Ledger” that William Thompson, Steward of the Court appointed Marmaduke Prickett of Bridlington to be his Deputy to take Surrender to the Court from John Easart of Wassand in Holderness of Messuages and Appurtenances in Langtoft to the use of William Southwaite of Langtoft. 30th December 1935 William Ware was Baron LAST RECORDED MEETING.see end of book for list of members of the jury.

The Vestry

The Vestry was the body of lay members, elected by the parish to run the secular business of the parish. The vestry also had the additional function of selection of the vicar. In the 1800’s they had taken the powers, previously held by the Court Leet, to appoint, Church Wardens, Guardian(s) of the Poor, Highway Masters (previously known as Overseers of the Highways) and two Constables. Also to set and collect the Cess (village rates).

Examples are: Vestry Meeting of 14th March, 1861- Present- John Hall, Richard Blackbeard, James Monkman, Thos Wright, Thos Farrar, Noah Wynn, Thos. Smith, William Knowles, Robert Bosomworth, and William Richardson. Thomas Wright was elected Chairman William Knowlson, horse dealer and Thos. Farrar be Overseers (not mentioned of what). Richard Wright and William Richardson to be Highway Masters. Robert Bosomworth to be re-elected Guardian (presumably of the Poor) Ralph Hodgson and John Russell to be Constables.

Vestry Meeting of 2nd April 1861- Robert Weatherill appointed Church Warden and Thos. Wood reappointed.

Vestry Meeting of 24th May, 1861- To consider enlarging Burial Ground. There were many such meetings to discuss this matter until December 1865 when a decision was made to purchase, for approximately £220, a strip of the vicarage garden adjoining the churchyard equal to 1 Rood and 36 Perches. The money to be raised by subscription. At the last minute, the money to purchase the Freehold of her Copyhold land of 1 Rood 36 Perches, was given by Mrs Mary Lobley, then living in Thornton le Clay. This land is immediately adjacent to the Church on its West side. The land runs from Main Street to North Back Lane This transaction took place, in January 1866. See History of Church for more detail.

Vestry Meeting 14th May 1869- That John North shall have one of the Poor Houses at a rent of 6d per month, to be on one weeks notice and to submit to the inspection by the Police.

1 Church Wardens for Stillington 1753-1773

Church Wardens for Stillington 1753-1773

The Church Warden was chosen (originally in the 1600,s at the Court Leet) at the Vestry Meeting, held at Easter. The warden’s first duty was to attend the Visitation to be sworn in. His duties included attending the Visitation at York, Thirsk or Malton, twice a year to report anything amiss or irregular in the parish. Examples of these were, adultery, whoredom, incest, drunkenness, swearing, not communicating at Easter and not attending Church on Sundays or Holy Days. He had to maintain the fabric of the church, provide bread and wine for Holy Communion and pay the parish clerk. There was a very lengthy set of questions, known as Articles, which he had to answer regarding the above duties and also as to the conduct of the vicar. Stillington had two wardens. At this time only men were wardens. The costs of the Church Wardens for 1753/54 were copied into the main Cash Book on Feb 26th 1755 and amongst other items it recorded: Soap and oil for the bells, winding up the clock, purchasing a register and one oak box to keep it in, (by 1759 the Register must have been full as the then Church Warden had to pay for a “Parchment for ye Regdchester 1s.6d”) buying candles, mending windows, washing napkins and surpluses, and repairing the churchyard stile. On November 5th payment was made for food and drink to those who rang the bells on what was described in later accounts as “Gunpowder Treason Night”. This event was never missed. Naturally Christmas Day was special and payment was made for ringing on that day also. This was over and above the annual payment made by the Constable of approximately 10s.0d. The bells were rung on other than Holy Days as can be seen when on 6th February 1757/58 1s.0d was paid for “Ringing for ye King of Prussia”. Considerable quantities of wine were purchased, at Christmas Day, Easter, Whitsuntide and Michaelmas. A total of six gallons in 1757 for example at a cost of 8s.3d for a gallon and a half, plus 1s.3d for fetching it, presumably from York. Bread was of course also being purchased but at less cost In 1754/55 the loft stairs were repaired, John Hall was paid for “Work at ye Church 1s.3d “. Each year an Almanack was purchased, this presumably was a calendar of Holy Days. The church clock required constant attention. Some 6s.6d was spent on “Getting stones for ye church wall”. And again the churchyard stile needed repairs. In 1759 Marmaduke Mortimer was paid 10s.2d for mending the church leads & glazing, and on 3rd July Nathanial Mason was paid £3.00 “for painting ye Church Dial. To do this the Dial had to be taken down at a cost of 2s.0d. A few days later they paid Wm. Colton 10s 6d “for the clock mending” and 4d for a new screw for the pointer. On October 3rd they paid William Prest £1.7s.0d for the Dial Board. And in 1759 a book of Homilies was purchased at a cost of 12s.0d. 1760 was interesting in that it records: Sept 15th “Going twice to Coxwold & to York about a Terrier (list of parochial land). Then on 4th October “Paid to the Spiritual Court for a Citation for ye persons neglect of not sending a Terrier in time to (de)liver into Court. Laurence Sterne was vicar at the time and one could imagine, from his reputation, that he had been dilatory in supplying some information to the Wardens and that they had had to make two journeys to Coxwold to get it and then had to pay the Court for the delay. Every few years a copy of the Church Register had to be sent to the Bishop. This is recorded as having been done on 14th August 1762 (and also in 1766). On November th 7 of 1762 they recorded “Spent on ye singers from Dunnington 2s.6d”

Overseers of the Highway at Stillington 1753-1773 and into 1800’s

Overseers of the Highway at Stillington 1753-1773

The repair of the Highway was the responsibility of each parish. Two Overseers of the Highway were provided by the parish and served for no fee. This was a statutory appointment which had to be confirmed by the Justices of the Peace at their Special Highway Sessions. In the case of Stillington this was normally but not necessarily held at Thirsk. In the mid 1700’s local labour had also (by statute) to be provided free. Although Ale was supplied to the men as they worked.

The first List of Disbursements we have is for the year 1761 when Benjamin Campsell and Thos Newstead were the Overseers. Their duties appear to have commenced in June of that year when they “Paid att Oswalchurch for a warrant 2s. 6d”, also “for my self & horse 1s 6d” and “paid att oswalchurch when Bound over 1s.10d”. The following payments were then made for road works:- 8th June Paid att Richard Olliver for Ale for 24 men 2s.0d 9th June Paid to John Mason for Ale for 9 men 1s 6d 11th June Paid to John Mason for Ale for 22 men 3s.8d. 12th June Paid to John Mason for Ale for 20men 3s.4d. 13th June Paid to John Mason for Ale for 15 men 2s.6d. 15th June Paid to John Mason for Ale for 14 men 2s 4d Paid att Brandsby for Jills of Ale 1s.6d. Paid att Brandsby for Jills of Ale 3s.0d (Jill or Gill as it should have been spelt = 8 table spoons)

As will be seen from later years’ accounts quite a considerable amount of work was done at Brandsby, presumably this was the nearest source of quarried stone. The Surveyors also paid for 3 new hammers, 2 new wheelbarrows and “8 new hammers weights 17 pounds” They also presumably raised a tax on the local population to pay for the costs as they paid out 2s.0d for “the Cess Casting” (a cess is a tax and casting would mean costing). In the same month of July they paid for “the Sessions fees att Guisborough 4s.0d”, “paid for An order from ye Justiees 2s.6d” “for Expenses for a man & horse to Guisborough 5s.6d” and “for myself & horse going thither 5s0d”. Then finally in January 1762 they paid “for taking ye Road out of ye Sessions att Thirsk £1.5s.8d and Clerk fees 2s.6d and for “my Expenses & my trouble for going to Thirsk 4s.6d. I am uncertain as to why they had to attend 3 sets of sessions in one term of office. These two Overseers submitted a separate account for the months of May to July 1762 when again payments for Ale were made on 3 days in June for Ale at Brandsby. £2.10s.0d to John Johnson for Laying Turnpike, 7s.9d to Wm. Prest for the same thing and finally 6s 3d to. Ben. Campsell, himself. A further £19s.6d was paid to John Wood for Paving and other jobs.

In 1763 Ben Campsell was replaced by Thos Barker and on April 25th he and Wm Prest paid “Robert Thompson for 49 Roods of Turnpike at 1s & 5d per Rood, (five and a half yards) the sum of £3.9s.5d. This is about 270 yards. They paid for the ale at Richard Ollivers and Both our troubles when we went to seek stone 3s.6d”. Again Ale was provided for 18 men at Brandsby 2s.3d and then “Paid for Ale at Brandsby at 9 different times a total of 14s.2d. A further 9s 5d was paid to Thos Richardson for ale at different times. The meeting with Richard Olliver must have been a success as there

was a later charge of 10s.6d “Paid to Richard Olliver for the stones and Coming Throw his ground.”

In 1764 Mr Stainforth replaced Thos Barker and the months of May and June saw considerable activity at Brandsby. Between 6th May and 29th June on 10 days a total of 135 men had ale supplied to them whilst they worked at Brandsby. In July money was paid for leading both stones and earth to Care lane (Carr Lane). John Taler was paid for 41 Roods of Turnpike and Robert Thompson paid for 27 Roods of Turnpike. Tools a cart and barrows were repaired.

1765 Accounts of John Morley and Robert Gibson make interesting reading in that they specifically refer to the word “statute” viz: for 8 days attending above the statute June 5th- 10th, 11th & 20. These presumably were the days set for the statute labour mentioned in the first paragraph. There is also written “3rd June Paid out for Liker at 3 times at Quarre (?Quarry?”). On July 2nd “Paid for Turnpike at Rosebery Hill 15s.9d and on the 3rd July nearly £4 for “Stone Digging up”.

George Thompson and John Wilkinson were the Overseers in 1766 and rendered separate accounts. When combined only the small sum £1.5s.3d was expended. Some of the items paid for were :- 2 Wheelbarrow Gudgons mending (iron plates with holes in the middle) An Axeltree for same. 3 Hacks sharpening (probably a form of Pick) Expense for Hacking Stone 6 Hammers shafting Liquor at Brandsby 2 days Paid for Liquor in Jack Laine (as spelt)

The last year shown in the book for Overseers expenses was for 1767. John Wilkinson made the following payments:- Ale was supplied for Ale at ye Bridge in Mill Lane. Again a shilling was paid at the time of “Casting a Cess Bill” It must have been a bad winter as 6d was spent “For Cutting snow at Ing Balk”. “John Wilkinson & my Draft (cart) 2 Days at Car side. He paid for stone at Brandsby and both he and Thos Wilkinson provided Drafts for a total of 14 days. Richard Oliver was still providing stone.

Grahame Richardson, Stillington, December 2009

Overseers of the Poor for Stillington 1753-1773

Stillington had two overseers of the poor. They were chosen at a meeting of the Court Leet/Parish Vestry, but the appointment had to be confirmed by the Justices of the Peace. As in the case of the other offices in the parish there was no pay, just reimbursement of expenses. The first set of Accounts available are those kept by “Henery” Tenant and Ben Campsell for 1754/55. He and Campsell were paying one woman, Jane Pickering to look after Jane Willson at 2s.0d a week (Jane Wilson died in January 1757 and the Overseers paid £1.3s.6d for her funeral) and they also paid for Jane Harbottle at 2s. 4d a month or £1.10s.4d in the year. ( see separate article Stillington Prebendal Peculiar Court for greater detail on Jane Harbottle). They paid a man called George Morley 6s.0d a month and in May they paid him a further 8s.0d “when his wife was poorly”. They were paying out for John Crosby at 5s. 6d per month and in May bought him a shirt for 3s. 5d. A number of payments were made to a man called Kingston, whose family name appears regularly in later year’s accounts. In April 1755 they bought him a cupboard at a cost of 4s.0d, also a bedstead for 6s. 6d and paid half a year’s rent costing 10s.0d. They then bought him a (cooking) pot for 3s.3d. For many years after this payments were being made to a James Kingston for coal, presumably the same person. Elizabeth Sowery was paid 5s.0d every few weeks for looking after “Varley Child” or £1.10s.0d in the year.

In the next year 1755/56, Jane Willson, Jane Harbottle, George Morley and John Crosby were still being supported at a similar cost. The Kingston house was repaired at a cost of 2s.0d.At the same time other expenses were also being incurred but it can be seen that these regular payments were a continual drain upon village resources.

New Overseers were in place for 1756/57. They were Thos Barker and Rodger Bellwood. In addition to the above regular outgoings each month, they bought John Crosby a pair of britches costing 1s.4d, repaired his shoes,1s.2d and provided him with whins (a spiny shrub or gorse, could this have been for the floor?). Whins were constantly being paid for, for the Poor. Some months later they bought him a pair of shoes, costing 4s.0d. At this time poor persons could settle in any Parish provided they bought from their native parish a certificate guaranteeing to remove them if they prove chargeable to any parish. This meant that the Overseers could apply to the Justices for a Removal Order for any pauper coming to the village to return to his native village. There are a number of references in the Accounts viz: in 1760 the Overseers claimed 1s. “for going to York about the certificated men” and in 1763, 2s.0d for “Going to York with Mr. Robbeson about his certificate” and later that year “for going to York with John Wood and George Hutchinson about their certificates”.

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 87 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 1757/58 was a repetition of previous years except that as mentioned above in 1757 £1s.3s.6d. was paid out for Jane Wilson’s funeral. Also the cost of living must have increased as George Morley was being paid 10s.0d a month and Vilays (Varleys child) was costing 4s.0d a month. They also bought her two pairs of shoes as well as repairing her old ones. A female called Jane Frost was receiving 2s.0d a month and it cost 1s.0d to repair her window. Widow Marshall was being paid 6s.0d a month. Turves (Peat) were supplied for fires.Each year 2s was paid out for Cess Casting, that is working out the poor rate for the Parishioners to pay. A year’s total cost for an Overseer was in the region of £5. It would appear that a villager, William Wood had died at Malton. John Wood (presumably a relative) and William Sowray went to Malton on August 15th and 10s.6d was paid for William Wood’s funeral at Malton. On the same day 2s.6d was paid to William’s widow and a further 2s.6d in travelling expenses.

There was nothing untoward in 1759/60 except that the handwriting of the author was excellent. Various articles of clothing were bought, such as a shirt for George Morley, shoe soling and purchasing and clothes mending. The Poor Houses were repaired on 25th November at a cost of £1.9s.0d. For 1760 some deal appears to have been made with a person called Barker to look after John Crosby: viz: on October 24th the following entries were made: Pd John Crosby when he entered to Barkers 1s.0d. Pd when we agreed with Barker for Crosby and when we remove him. 2s.0d On Jan 24th 1763 (1762?) they paid to John Barker for Crosby Quarter pay £1.7s.6d and in April, a similar sum. It will be seen later that expenditure on John Crosby was by no means at an end. John Sowray and Thos Newstead were the Overseers for that year and they list at the end of their Cash Book. “Paid the V(illa)ge Money to the Poor Belonging the Parrish of Stillington” Mlton Widow 7s.0d Esebel Morley 1s.0d Elezb Wood 1s.6d ElizbSowery for Viley 1s.0d Jane Frost 1s.6d Elizb Wilkinson 2s.6d Barbrey Morley 2s.0d Elin Wood 2s.0d James Kingstone 1s.6d Anne Wood 1s.6d John Crosby 0s.6d Anne Wilkinson 2s.0d Total £1.4s.0d

The Overseers must have had an investment which was bringing in interest. Again in 1764 this interest also amounted to £1.4s.0d and payments were made to 12 villagers:- Adam Bland 1s 0d Thos Baliss 1s 0d Henery North 2s 6d Eleng Wood 1s 6d Jane Frost 2s 6d Anne Wood 1s 0d James Kingston 2s 6d John Crow 1s 0d Thomas Crosland 2s 6d Anne Wilkinson 1s 0d Widdow Marshill 2s 6d Thomas Kilton 5s 0d Total £1.4s.0d It has since occurred to me that this may have been money generated from Jane Rawden and others – ee list of Cash and Assets in the form of Mortgages in the hand of the Jury

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 88 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 Similar payments were made in 1772

Each year thereafter there are payments for thatching roofs, mending doors and windows, supplying turves and coal, repairing and maintaining the poor houses by purchasing 450 bricks and lime and bringing them from Easingwold. Funeral expenses for the destitute, etc.

In November 1761. Robert Jebson, one of the then overseers claimed 1s.6d “for going to York to speak to Mrs. Croft concerning putting Vilay apprentice”. The Crofts spent quite some time living in York and did not spend all year in Stillington. The Overseers appear to have put boys who were under their care to apprenticeship without reference to the Lord of the Manor but may have considered it advisable to go to higher authority to get approval for a girl. On November 26th Jebson “Paid Expenses at the Agreement of putting Vilay Apprentice to Cartwright 4s.10d. And on December 10th he paid “Expences when Vilay was bound 4s.0d” As was the case for Kingston later on Vilay was fitted out with various articles of clothing viz: a pair of new shoes 2s.3d, “for her old shoes soleing 6d”, “for a petticoat 1s.0d”, “paid to James Ord for Vilays new cloaths 8s.10d”, “Expences when we bought Vilay Cloths 6d”, “Paid for Vilay a spare of new Stays 5s.6d” “Paid for Indentures and a pair of new stockings for Vilay 5s.6d.”. Finally “for Vilay Gown making & two laces and Petticoate making”. It will be recalled that it was Jebson who was held by the Spiritual Court to be the father of the child. This was not the end of expenditure on Vilay as in March and April the following payments were made in respect of her. “for indentures and filling up 1s.1d, Expenses at binding her 1s.0d”for signing Vilays Indentures 3s.0d”.

Expenditure was also drawing to an end on John Crosby as also in 1761/62, the overseers made their last payment to John Barker in respect of him on 9th of February 1762, having made for him from Dec 5th 1761 13s.5d for Coate & waistcoate, going to Easingwold to buy them 6d”, yet another 3s.0d for the same waiscoate making or for a second one, it is not clear which. “A new hat 1s.6d”.Then on March 4th, “paid sixpence Exterordinary for a last farewell of Crosby”. I am sure that it was worth it, Crosby had cost the village a lot of money over the years.

In 1763 the overseers were faced with the cost of fitting out Bottel girl (presumably Margaret Harbottle) with a pair of shoes, a pair of stays, a coat and petticoat, 2 Shifts, a pair of stockings, 4 caps, 2 aprons, 2 handkerchiefs, a second pair of stockings. Having done all this they then paid for her Indentures, but to whom and as what, the book does not say.

A good example of the type of expenditure incurred by the Overseers is illustrated in the Accounts for 1764/75 On 4th April 1764 a very detailed inventory was made of all the goods and chattels of one Ellin Wood “which she carried to John Wood her son in law”. It goes on to say “That this is a Memorandum that we Thomas Tinniswood & Thomas Wood Overseers of the Poor have agreed with John Wood for seven shillings for a year House Room for Ellin Wood his Mother in Law, and she enters at Lady Day 1765”( See below for detail ). On 7th April, “The Expense a Night for John Wood 6d” “ Pd Elin Wood for a lock for Ye Poor House” 6d “for trouble of Shifting Elin Wood” 1s 2d” Presumably the Overseers were moving Elllin Wood out of the Poor House to the son in law’s or to a property near him where the overseers would pay the rent of 7s. a year for a room as indeed did Thomas Barker overseer the next year. In later years up to 1769 they paid out small amounts to her for “mending windows”, “mending Ellin Wood house” and supplying her and others with coal.

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 89 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 In the same year of 1764 they appear to have taken on the responsibility for David Kingston as the following payments appear: Thomas Wood Overseer- 1764 – July 12th “Pd for Ale at Thos Richardson’s Concerning David Kingston Going Prentis to Thos Coupland”. It will be seen next however that David Kingston ended up being Apprenticed to William Cowling. July 28th “Pd for Ale at John Sowrays when David Kingston was Bound a Prentice 1s 6d” “Pd for 4 yards & a half of Cloth at 2s 9s 0d”.“Half a yard of Drill Buttons; Canvis & thread 2s 1d” For Coat Waistcoat and Britches Making 2s 6d” Thomas Tinniswood Overseer July 14th “Bargening with Mr. Cowling for David Kingston to be his Prentis1s0d” July 19th “for Indenters for David Kingston 7d” Jul 20th “ A Skin for David Kingston 1s 3d” (a skin was presumably be the parchment for the indenture). “A hat for David Kingston 1s 3d” “2 Yds of Linn Cloth for David Kingston 2s 2d” “A pair of Stockings for David Kingston 1s 6d” Jul 27th “Pd Wm Cowling Acording to Agreement 10s.0d” Jul 31st “Pd Anne Bainbridge for Wrighting 1s.0d” “Pd the Trustees for Sining The Indenters 2s 0d”,“Going to York with Ye Indenters 1s 0d” (it is believed that Mr. Cowling was a tailor) “2 yards of Linen Cloth for David Kingston 2s 2d” (Did Thomas Tinniswood the Overseer charge twice for this?) “2 shirts Making for David Kingston 10d” “Going to Easingwold to ye Cloths 6d”

On April 5th 1765 Thomas Wood “Pd ye “Midief” (midwife) for laying Diney Kingston 4s0d”.Was she a relative of David? On 22nd December 1764 Thomas Wood had “Pd 2 days “Theaking” (Thatching) at James Kingstons house 3s 0 d Regular payments of 6d a week were made to Margaret Frost, presumably to support her and in February 1765 he paid 6s.0d for 6 Threave (sheaves)of Straw for Frost House. Similar subsistence payments were made to Anne Wilkinson, Thos Crosland and Anne Baliss, Widdow Marshill, and Thos Bayliss,

Account of Ellin Wood Goods which she carried to John Wood her son in law April 4th 1765. A Bed and Bedstead and all there Belonging An Iron Pot & Potcrooks, An Iron Elting ,(a tub for kneading dough) frying pan. A Reckon, a pair of Tongs. An Oatmeal Trough and a Mill. 2 Chairs, 3 Stools. A Long Oak Chest. 11 Trenchers,(wooden plates) 3 Pewter Dishes, a Gallon Pot, 2 Pankins A Line Wheel & 2 Reels, a Washing Tub, a Riddle. 3 dishes & 2 Bowls, a Pepper Mortar, a Battle Door and 2 Rowling Pins, a Pitcher, a jug a pudding pot, A half peck, a Peck Poak, (Peck = a measure for dry goods = to 2 gallons or a quarter of a bushel) (Poak = a bag or small sack) a half Bushell Poak, (Bushell = a measure of 8 gallons) a sive, a Tems,(Tems = a type of sieve) a Tiffany, 2 Candlesticks. Iron & Heaters, a spoon, a little chest with cloas in it. “That this is a Memorandum that we Thomas Tinniswood & Thomas Wood Overseers of the Poor have agreed with John Wood for seven shillings for a year House Room.

All in all it will be seen that the Village took its responsibilities to its poor seriously.

Grahame Richardson December 2009

Constable Payments of Interest Year 1754 Constable was George Walker 1754 Going to York to be Sworn In 2s..00d Paying a Blind man and his Wife and a Child with a pass lay all night 08d Paid John Morley for hay for the Bull 15s..00d Paid for hanging the Ox Moor Gate 06d April 6 For going about to try Weights & Measures before Lent 1s 02d For Carrying Articles* to Marton 02d Paid for Articles* 06d Paid for wrighting an answer to ye Articles* 03d For going with the answer to ye Articles* 1s.00d For a Bridge lying in ye Luce Balke 1s.00d For a Warrant Carrying to Marton 02d Paying a Quarter Pay and Quittance £ 3.4s 1d For Carrying ye Quarter pay 1s..00d For going to Easter Sessions and a Poor Warrant 2s..00d For Going to ye Shirref turn & 4 Sidesmen 2s..04d A man his wife & 4 Childn with a pass 06d For t’Land tax Warrant carrying to Marton 02d Paid Land Tax Bill & Window Bill Cossting 3s..00d Paid ye old Collectors for viewing t’ Windows 1s..00d For Going to get Landtax & Winder Bills sind (signed?) 1s..00d 2 Men & their wives & 4 Children with a pass 08d Paid William Prest for a Gantry 7s..00d Paid for a Watch Warrant 1s..00d July ye 5 Paid a Quarter pay and a Quittance £3.4s 1d For going to ye Midsumer Sessions 1s.00d Paid for t’Articles 06d For Wrighting an Answer to ye Articles 03d For Carrying an Answer to ye Articles 1s..00d For going to York with a List of ye Copy Holders 1s..00d Paid for a Jewry Warrant 1s..00d Sept 14th Paid a Quarter pay and a Quitance £1.5s..00d For carrying the Quarter Pay 1s..00d For going to ye Bruster Sessions 1s..00d For going to Sherref Turn (with?) 4 Sidesmen 2s..04d Paid for my Sess (Sess=tax) Costing 2s..00d Paid Mr. Rodger for Gun Powder 4s..01d Paid Rodger Bellwood for Gun Powder 5s.08d Paid to Mr Thomas Barker for Stoups =(Steps) 2s.06d For Going to Mickelmas Sesshens 1s.00d Paid to England Balis for Crooks & loops 1s.00d Paid to Robert Morley for Mending Gates and finding Wood 2s.02d Paid to Mr. Crofft for Turn Pike 10s.06d In total he paid that year for 48 persons with passes, a total of 73 pence His total outlay for all matters was £12.17s.2d

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 91 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 CIVIL COURT of Stillington

The officials and Jurymen that sat from time to time were;

Date Baron Steward April 29th 1659 Olive Croft Thomas Thompson Thomas Waite (? Foreman) William Faceby James Linton Christo Holgate Thomas Bland William Jackson John Johnson William Cobb Robert Wiley William Young Robert Cobb

1st October 1729 Stephen Croft John Thompson

7th October 1739 Stephen Croft John Thompson

October 1747 Stephen Croft William Thompson George Kitchingman Foreman George Richardson Thomas Barker William Moon Roger Leckonby Thomas Baliff John Morley John Wiley Thomas Wilkinson Benjamin Camsall Adam Bland John Sowrey Richard Heptonstall

8th October 1751 Stephen Croft William Thompson

25th October 1752 Stephen Croft William Thompson Benjamin Campbell –Foreman Robert Prest Henry Tenant Thomas Heptenstall William Prest Thomas Barker William Knowlson Christopher Richardson, Adam Bland John Morley David Sadler Thomas Sawrey John Jackson

10th November 1777 Stephen Croft

th 6 October 1778 Stephen Croft William Thompson (not certain) Joseph Clark Jnr Thomas Wilkinson Thomas Wright Robert Prest William Braviner John Barker John Benn John Richardson Thomas Wood William Smith George Walker

10th October 1781 Stephen Croft

21st October 1782 Stephen Croft

17th October 1808 Stephen Croft Joseph Munby Jurymen: Christopher Richardson (Foreman) Robert Morley William Wood James Husband Thomas Souray Thomas Wiley Henry Gibson John Calvert James Gibson Robert Bell David Sadler William Wetherill

18th October 1813 Harry Croft (Baron) Joseph Munby (Steward) Jurymen: Andrew Brown (Foreman) John Sowray John Cass George Thompson Thomas Wilkinson John Cordukes Thomas Wood Thomas Webster William Cobb Henry Gibson David Sadler Henry Feather

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 92 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 28th October 1824 Harry Croft

27th October 1828 Harry Croft (Baron) William Spencer Campion (Steward) Robert Morley (Foreman) Thomas Sowray John Richardson John Wood John Hall Henry Sowray George Richardson Thomas Wood John Pennington William Wright Thomas Lowther William Weatherill

11th March 1828 Harry Croft John Brook

24th April 1829 Harry Croft (Baron) William Spencer Campion (Steward) Robert Morley (Foreman) Thomas Souray John Richardson John Hall Henry Souray Thomas Wood William Weatherill Thomas Lowther John Wood George Richardson William Wright John Pennington 20th October 1830 Baron was Harry Croft Steward was John Brook

23rd October 1833 Harry Croft (Baron) John Brook (Steward) Thomas Sowray (Foreman) Thomas Brown William Cobb Thomas Ellis Joseph Robinson Robert Dent William Wright Robert Sowray John Richardson Thomas Farrar John Pennington

24th October 1843 Lord of Manor - Harry Croft Steward - John Brook John Hall (Foreman) Thomas Brown, William Weatherill, Thomas Salmon, George Coverdale, Robert Denton, Jonathan Slater, John Richardson,Richard Coverdale, Thomas Lowther , Richard Robinson, John Radcliffe.

23rd October 1844 Lord of Manor Harry Croft Deputy Steward- Henry John Ware Thomas Brown (Foreman) Thomas Salmon, Robert Denton, Johnathan Slater, William Weatherill,George Coverdale, John Radcliffe, John Richardson, Richard Coverdale, Richard Robinson, Thomas Lowther.

31st October 1848 Lord of Manor Harry Croft Deputy Steward -Henry John Ware Thomas Brown (Foreman) John Hall, Thomas Salmon, Richard Coverdale, Johnathan Slater, George Richardson, Robert Denton, George Spruce, Richard Robinson, John Robinson, John Radcliffe, Thomas Wright, the younger.

29th January 1850 Harry Croft was Baron and John Brook was Steward

28th October 1851 Harry Croft was Baron and Henry John Ware was Steward

26th October 1852 Lord of the Manor Harry Croft Steward –Henry John Ware Thomas Brown (Foreman) Thomas Salmon George Spruce Richard Coverdale Robert Denton George Richardson John Radcliffe John Richardson Richard Robinson Thomas Wright Johnathan Slater

16th February 1858 Lord of Manor Stephen Croft Steward -John Henry Ware

27th October 1868 Lord of Manor Stephen Croft Steward - Henry John Ware, Thomas Wood (Foreman) John Richardson Johnathan Slater Henry Thompson Richard Snowball Robert Weatherill Richard Wright, William Richardson Thomas Smith, Alexander Scott John Weatherill, Thomas Farrer

25th October 1870 Lord of Manor Stephen Croft Steward - Henry John Ware, Thomas Wood (Foreman) John Richardson Johnathan Slater Henry Thompson Richard Snowball Robert Weatherill , William Richardson Thomas Smith, Alexander Scott William Alton Thomas Richardson Richard Wright

27th October 1872 Lord of Manor - Harry Croft Steward - Henry John Ware Thomas Wood (Foreman) John Weatherill, Alexander Scott Richard Wright, Richard Snowball, Robert Weatherill Jonathan Slater, Henry Thompson, William Richardson Thomas Richardson, Thomas Smith, Thomas Leaper

26th October 1880 Harry Croft was Baron Before Henry John Ware - Steward Thomas Wood - Foreman, Sworn. Richard Snowball Thomas Richardson Matthew Halder William Richardson John Kendrew David Wake John Slater Henry Thompson Thomas Leaper William Abbey Alexander Scott

29th October 1895 John Tatham was Baron Francis Ware was Deputy Steward William Richardson (Foreman) Thomas Leaper William Wright Thomas Richardson Henry Thompson William Lane (Farmer) William Lane (Tailor) Matthew Halder Thomas Mercer William Skelton Myers

27th October1896 Baron-John Tatham. Deputy Steward Francis Ware William Richardson (Foreman), Thomas Leaper, Henry Thompson, Matthew Halder, William Wright, William Lane (Farmer), Thomas Mercer, Thomas Richardson, William Lane(Tailor. William Skelton Myers, John Wilson.

26th October 1897 Baron-John Tatham. Steward Francis Ware William Richardson (Foreman), Thomas Leaper, Henry Thompson, Matthew Halder, William Wright, William Lane (Farmer), Thomas Mercer, Thomas Richardson, William Lane (Tailor) William Skelton Myers, John Wilson.

25th October 1898 Baron-John Tatham. Steward Francis Ware William Richardson (Foreman), Thomas Leaper, Henry Thompson, Matthew Halder, William Wright, William Lane (Farmer), Thomas Mercer, Thomas Richardson, William Skelton Myers, John Applebury, William Wilson, William Kirk.

24th October 1899 Baron-John Tatham. Steward Francis Ware William Richardson (Foreman), Thomas Leaper, Henry Thompson, Matthew Halder, William Wright, William Lane (Farmer), Thomas Mercer, Thomas Richardson, William Skelton Myers, John Applebury, William Wilson, William Kirk.

23rd October 1900 Baron Leonard Tatham, Steward Francis Ware. William Richardson (Foreman), Thomas Leaper, Henry Thompson, Matthew Halder, William Wright, William Lane (Farmer), Thomas Mercer, Thomas Richardson, William Skelton Myers, John Applebury, William Kirk, Frederick Aldolphous Knowlson

29th October 1901 Baron- Leonard Tatham, Steward John Tatham Ware

28th October 1902 Baron- Leonard Tatham Steward Francis Ware

27th October 1903 Baron- Leonard Tatham. Steward John Tatham Ware

25th October 1904 Baron- Leonard Tatham. Steward Francis Ware

25th October 1905 Baron- Leonard Tatham, Deputy Steward Harry Piercy

23rd October 1906 Baron- Leonard Tatham, Deputy Steward Harry Piercy

23rd October 1907 Baron- Leonard Tatham, Deputy Steward Harry Piercy

27th October 1908 Baron- Leonard Tatham, Deputy Steward Harry Piercy

26th October 1909 Baron- Leonard Tatham, Deputy Steward Harry Piercy

25th October 1910 Baron- Leonard Tatham, Deputy Steward Harry Piercy

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 94 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 24th October 1911 Baron- Leonard Tatham , Harry Piercy Deputy Steward Matthew Holder, Thomas Leaper Mark Thomas Walker William Wright Thomas Richardson Arthur John Wake William Waites Knowlson John Appleby John Thompson Thomas Wood

1912 to 1915 I did not record

24th October 1916 -Baron Leonard Tatham Steward Clarence Cecil Lucas

1917 to 1919 -I did not record-

16th November 1920 Baron -Leonard Tatham Steward Clarence Cecil Lucas but only 6 Jury

25th October 1921 Baron- William Ware Steward Clarence Cecil Lucas

24th October 1922 Baron- William Ware Steward Clarence Cecil Lucas

23rd October 1923 Baron- William Ware Steward Clarence Cecil Lucas

21st October 1924

20th day of October 1925 Wm.Gibson Baliff J.W. Richardson Wm. Wright * his Mark Arthur J. Wake Thomas Sowray Harry Richardson William Waite Knowlson John Appleby R.R.Warrington Alan C. Gibson John Thompson Wm Lofthouse David Wake

26th February 1929 William Ware was Baron Cecil Lucas Steward

30th December 1935 William Ware was Baron LAST RECORDED MEETING

Church Farm House Main Street Stillington York YO61 1JS O1 347 810 458 5th November 2008 Dear John

Village Traditions –Ringing of Bells on 5th November

To celebrate the failure of the Gunpowder Plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament on 5th November 1605, an Act of Parliament was passed in the 3rd year of James 11 reign (1606?) to appoint 5th November in each year as a day of Thanksgiving “for the joyful day of deliverance”. This Act remained in effect until 1859. Amongst other celebrations was the ringing of church bells. I enclose copies of the Church Wardens Accounts for Stillington for a number of years, 1753, 1754, 1755, 1756, 1757 and 1773, where particular reference was made to payment “for Ringing att Gunpowder Treason” (I have copies of the accounts of the intervening years). I would like to reintroduce this practice of ringing and for some form of refreshment for the Ringers shortly afterwards if possible, although I am not suggesting that the church should pay for any of it. I enclose cash of £50 as a contribution in order to start this and it would be nice to think that the first occasion for the refreshments could be held at the White Bear here in Stillington as this seems to be the public house with the longest history in this village. If the ringing of the bells was to coincide with the village celebrations it would add to them. They do not necessarily have to be rung on the 5th November. It is my intention to make a financial contribution to future years, if possible.

Regards

Grahame Richardson To John Clark

Still being rung November 2013

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 96 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 The Yearly Rents of all the Messuages & Cottages as have been paid Yearly and time out of mind to the Lord of the Manor as follows: (Believed at 1659)

Robert Shirwin, cottage 2.0 Wm. Jackson, cottage 2.9 Wm. Young, cottage 2.0 Wm. Cobb, cottage 2.4 Wm. Stibbin, cottage 1.4 Robert Barker, cottage 1.4 Thos. Fisher, cottage 1.6 George Peckit & Robert Cobb, Messuage 2.0 Robert Sherwin, cottage 1.3 William Dikson, cottage 1.3 Wm. Young, cottage 2.0 George Bell, Messuage and ancient croft 0.8 William Wilkinson & Thos. Sowery, Mess 1.4 John Crosby & Robert Sherwin, Messuage 1.4 George Young & Henry Young, Mess 1.4 Vicars Mes called John Morley’s House 1.4 Robert Sherwins Mes and ancient croft 2.0 Seth Lazenby & Wm. Douthwaite, Mess 1.4 Jeffory Lintons cott 2.8 Thos. Young, cott 0.10 Mr. Thos. Wait, mess 1.8 His cott & two crofts 3.0 Thos Linton, Mess 2.0 Robert Cobb & Jeffery Linton, Mess 1.8 Richard Coupland & Thos.Wood Mess 1.8 James Linton, Cott 0.8 Wm. Newpage, Cott 1.0 John North, Cott 1.6 Thos Boakes, Cott 1.10 Andrew Skelton, Mess 1.6** John Prust, cott 0.6** Nicholas Wyley, Mess 2.6 Wm. Mosey, Mess 1.8 Richard Weightman, Mes 1.8 Richard Theaker Mess & his croft 1.10 George Windris & Edward Moffitt, Mess 1.8 George Hall, Mess 1.8 John Jackson, Mess & four crofts 2.0 Robert Harrison, Mess & four crofts 2.0 Thos. Linton Mes & four crofts 2.0 Robert Franch, Mess & four crofts 1.0 Andrew Wood & Thos.Prust, Mess 2.0 Robert Morley, cott 1.10

Wm.Martin & George Walker,

Copyright Grahame Richardson 1994-2018 97 A “Peculiar” Parish - The History of STILLINGTON Vol 1 Mess & croft 2.0 Edward Hall, Mess 1.10 Widow Nightingale, cott 1.10 Thos Hebden, cott 1.10 Thos Nightingale, cott, and his croft 1.8 Wid. Martin, Mes & croft 2.1 Thos. Maddocks and William North, Mess 1.10 Thos Linton, Mess & croft & dovecote 2.3 Rich'd Nondicke, cott and croft 2.0 Thos. Nightingale, cott & croft 2.0 Lawrence Wood, Cott 2.0 John Hodgson Mes & croft 3.0 Widd Magson, cott & croft 2.0 Widd Dales & croft 1.8 Mr. Wm. Faceby, cott & croft 0.6 Mary Humble, cott & croft 0.6 Thos Read, Mess & croft 1.6 Thos. Bland, Mes 1.10 Robt. Wyley, Mess 1.4 John Johnson, Mess & croft 2.0 His other Mes. & croft 2.0 George Humble, cott & croft 2.0 Edward Hall, cott 1.10 Thos. Bland, cott 1.10 Robt. Dickson, cott 2.0 Thos. Thurnam, cott & croft 2.0 Grace Hodgson, cott & croft 2.0 Thos Bland Jnr, cott & croft 1.6 Rodger Peart, cott 1.4 Thos Hornby, cott 2.0 John Wyley, cott 1.4 Rich'd Empson, cott 1.4 Robert Empson, cott 1.4 James Cobb, Mes 1.3 Mr. George Faceby, Mes & croft 1.2 His Wimps cott & croft 2.0 Geo Shirwin cott & croft 1.9 His other cott 2.0 Wm. Bland, cott 1.9 Rich'd Smith, cott 1.4 Total of all above £7.02.8 All other rents, see article 12 £7.18.4 £15.1.0

** See surrender document by Jane Rawden 1654

PLAN Pre 1840 Note that entrance to the church was through an Outer Porch and through/under a tower. In 1841 the tower was taken down, the Church “stretched” westward by a few feet. An additional widow was inserted at the west end and the tower rebuilt at the West end